Chiefs boosted by Luke Jacobson’s return

David Skippers
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Chiefs flanker Luke Jacobson will return to action on Saturday after being named in his team’s starting XV to face the Brumbies in Hamilton.

The All Black has been cleared of the concussion issues that forced him to withdraw from last year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan, and will start on the blindside flank.

His inclusion is one of numerous changes made by Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland.

An unchanged front-row will be joined by a new locking duo of Michael Allardice and Mitchell Brown. Jacobson is joined in the back-row by captain Sam Cane at seven and the powerful Pita Gus Sowakula returning to start at number eight to complete an experienced pack.

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will pair with Aaron Cruden in the halves, shifting Cruden’s understudy Kaleb Trask to the bench. Alex Nankivell will remain at inside centre combining with All Black midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown returning in the number thirteen jersey, shifting Quinn Tupaea to the bench in jersey 23.

The back three will feature the welcomed return of speedster Sam McNicol on the left wing and in-form wing Sean Wainui on the right, with dynamic All Black full-back Damian McKenzie completing an elusive back three.

In the reserves, experienced front-row cover in hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, props Reuben O’Neill and Ross Geldenhuys will be joined by lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi and flanker Mitchell Karpik. Taranaki scrum-half Lisati Milo-Harris will look to come off the bench for his Super Rugby debut.

Gatland said he was pleased to return home for another entertaining battle.

“It was great to collect another win on the road and allow several of our players to run out in the Gallagher Chiefs jersey for the first time this season,” he said.

“This week again we have a privilege to rotate a couple of players and provide the opportunity for several others to return for the Gallagher Chiefs.

“It will be great to have the likes of Luke Jacobson and Sam McNicol take the field for the first time this season. They are both talented individuals and have been training hard, so will be excited for the run.

“We have another tough battle ahead of us on Saturday. The Brumbies are leading the Australian Conference and will be on the hunt for redemption following a close loss to the Highlanders last weekend.

“We know it will be an exciting and entertaining game for our fans to watch and it’s one the team are looking forward to.”

Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Sam McNicol, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Michael Allardice, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Reuben O’Neill, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Lisati Milo-Harris, 22 Kaleb Trask, 23 Quinn Tupaea

Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:05 (06:05 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Dan Waenga (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

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