Weber to captain Gallagher Chiefs against Lions
Halfback Brad Weber will take over the captaincy in the absence of co-captains Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane when the Gallagher Chiefs face the Lions at FMG Stadium Waikato on Good Friday.
Weber will captain the side in his 65th appearance for the Gallagher Chiefs. Weber has previously captained both Hawke’s Bay and Waikato during his time with the respective provinces.
Excited for the opportunity, Weber said: “It is a huge honour to be named as captain for this Friday. I am excited for the opportunity and am thankful to have a great bunch of guys around me which will make my job easier.
Following a 33-29 win over the Blues in Hamilton last Saturday a number of changes have been made to the twenty three.
Bay of Plenty hooker Liam Polwart will make his first appearance of the 2019 Investec Super Rugby season starting in replace of All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris. Polwart will combine with Angus Ta’avao and Nepo Laulala. Loosehead prop Atu Moli returns from his elbow injury and is joined by Samisoni Taukei’aho and Sosefo Kautai who will provide front row cover. A new locking combination of Tyler Ardron and Mitchell Brown will take the field after Retallick was ruled out with a hand injury.
Alex Nankivell will start at centre shifting Tumua Manu to the bench named in jersey number 22. Ataata Moeakiola will start on the left wing in place of injured winger Solomon Alaimalo, with Shaun Stevenson moving onto the bench named in jersey 23. Jack Debreczeni will start at fullback in place of Damian McKenzie who sustained a season-ending knee injury on Saturday evening. Halfback Jonathan Taumateine is given an opportunity to impress coaches off the bench in jersey 21.
Gallagher Chiefs:
1. Angus Ta’avao (24)
2. Liam Polwart (21)
3. Nepo Laulala (24)
4. Tyler Ardron (17)
5. Mitchell Brown (28)
6. Luke Jacobson (17)
7. Lachlan Boshier (37)
8. Taleni Seu (41)
9. Brad Weber (64) (c)
10. Marty McKenzie (22)
11. Ataata Moeakiola (6)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (61)
13. Alex Nankivell (14)
14. Sean Wainui (20)
15. Jack Debreczeni (2)
Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (17)
17. Atu Moli (29)
18. Sosefo Kautai (8)
19. Jesse Parete (15)
20. Pita Gus Sowakula (8)
21. Jonathan Taumateine (9)
22. Tumua Manu (7)
23. Shaun Stevenson (36)
() = Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets
*denotes Gallagher Chiefs debut
**denotes Investec Super Rugby debut
Unavailable for selection:
Aidan Ross, Brodie Retallick, Damian McKenzie, Fin Hoeata, Kane Hames, Laghlan McWhannell, Michael Allardice, Mitchell Karpik, Nathan Harris, Reuben O’Neill, Sam Cane, Sam McNicol, Solomon Alaimalo and Tiaan Falcon.
Good Friday’s match will kick off with a bang with pyro technics and DROPIT reverse auctions. Adults can enjoy a refreshing beverage while free kids packs, including a boot bag and Easter treats will be available at the 1-day.co.nz Fun Zones and an exclusive member’s entrance will be open at each gate. In the spirit of Easter fans attending are encouraged to keep an eye out for the Gallagher hot cross bun throw pre-game. Gallagher have supplied 300 6-packs of hot cross buns which will be thrown into the crowd for spectators to enjoy while watching the game.
Continuing with the Easter spirit, all kids will get a free snack* thanks to Leader and their complimentary “Mac n Cheese bites”. “Mac n Cheese bites” vouchers will be available at each of the 1-day.co.nz fun zones at each gate entry.
The Gallagher Chiefs will take on the Lions on Friday 19 April at 7.35pm at FMG Stadium Waikato. Tickets are available for purchase from Ticket Rocket or here: https://www.chiefs.co.nz/game-tickets.
Game Day Information:
Fixture: Gallagher Chiefs vs. Lions, Friday 19 April, 7.35pm
Location: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Gates Open: 5.50pm
Tickets: https://www.chiefs.co.nz/game-tickets.
