Lienert-Brown returns for game against Kubota Spears
The Gallagher Chiefs have named a strong 28-man side to face the Kubota Spears Funabashi-Tokyo Bay with Anton Lienert-Brown to co-captain the side for his first game back with the team for 2024.
A further four All Blacks will run out alongside Lienert-Brown for their second match of the Cross Border Rugby pre-season; first-five Josh Ioane, midfielder Quinn Tupaea, prop Aidan Ross and halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.
Taranaki’s Jared Proffit, co-captain Bradley Slater and Reuben O’Neill are named to start, with the trio being influential during Bunnings NPC this season. Manaaki Selby-Rickit and Naitoa Ah Kuoi will complete the tight-five.
Rookie Wallace Sititi earns a start in the number six jersey alongside Tom Florence and Simon Parker in the loose forwards.
Cortez Ratima commands his spot at halfback, whilst Tana Tuhakaraina and Liam Coombes-Fabling complete the back three.
Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said: “The team were disappointed with our first hit out against Panasonic where we came up against a well-drilled side who exposed us in multiple areas. But that’s what pre-season fixtures are about, and we will be looking to see some rapid improvement this week, particularly around our physicality and accuracy in collisions.
“Rugby aside - it has been a fantastic cultural experience for the team, and we are confident the on-field and off-field experiences will put us in good stead once the season proper arrives.”
The game will kick off at 6.30pm NZT and be available to watch live on Sky Sport.
Gallagher Chiefs to face the Kubota Spears Funabashi-Tokyo Bay:
1. Jared Proffit
2. Bradley Slater (Co-Captain)
3. Reuben O'Neill
4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
6. Wallace Sititi
7. Tom Florence
8. Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Josh Ioane
11. Peniasi Malimali
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (Co-Captain)
14. Tana Tuhakaraina
15. Liam Coombes-Fabling
16. Millenium Sanerivi
17. Aidan Ross
18. Sione Ahio
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Malachi Wrampling
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
22. Tevita Ofa
23. Josh Jacomb
24. Daniel Rona
25. Rameka Poihipi
26. Hamilton Burr
27. Kaylum Boshier
28. Kauvaka Kaivelata
Match Details
Kubota Spears Funabashi-Tokyo Bay vs Gallagher Chiefs
2.30pm JST/ 6.30pm NZT Saturday 10 February 2024
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium
Live on Sky Sport NZ
All media enquiries to [email protected]
