Boost for Chiefs as Damian McKenzie returns for Moana Pasifika encounter
Chiefs fly-half Damian McKenzie.
The Chiefs have been boosted by the return of All Blacks star Damian McKenzie, who will start at fly-half when they face Moana Pasifika in Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash in Hamilton.
McKenzie, who has had a slight knee issue, was rested for the Chiefs’ shock 37-26 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend. However, he has been declared fit to face Moana and will join Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi in a new-look half-back partnership.
The rest of the Chiefs‘ starting line-up sees several changes with two senior players set to celebrate their 50th game milestones when they run out against Moana.
They are experienced outside back Etene Nanai-Seturo who made his Chiefs bow in 2019 and prop Ollie Norris who debuted in 2020.
Nanai-Seturo is an exciting player who has represented New Zealand in both Sevens and the 15-a-side game. He won silver medal at the 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo with the All Blacks Sevens team and he also toured Japan with the All Blacks XV last year.
Norris also toured with the All Blacks XV in 2023 after impressing at Super Rugby Pacific level and has been a regular n the Māori All Blacks side since his debut in 2021 against Manu Samoa.
‘Integral members of the team’
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said: “Etene and Ollie have been integral members of the team for several seasons now. They both started as young men full of potential, and it has been a pleasure to see their personal growth and influence on the team flourish.
“To play Super Rugby games is a significant milestone and we are eager to put in a performance that is befitting of their achievement and contribution to our club.”
Nanai-Seturo lines up at full-back alongside wingers Peniasi Malimali and Emoni Narawa while Daniel Rona and Rameka Poihipi are the starting centres with Poihipi also captaining the Chiefs.
In the forwards, Norris starts at loosehead prop with All Black Samisoni Taukei’aho (hooker) and Reuben O’Neill (tighthead prop) joining him in the front-row, while Tupou Vaa’i and Jimmy Tupou pack down in the second-row.
The run-on side is completed by the back-row which sees Wallace Sititi getting the nod at number eight alongside the two flankers Simon Parker and Samipeni Finau.
On the bench, Auckland prop Sione Ahio is set to make his Chiefs debut if he gets game-time, while there is plenty of experience with the likes of Kaylum Boshier and Anton Lienert-Brown amongst the replacements.
“Moana Pasifika are a much-improved side. We have seen they have a lot more consistency in their performances, particularly at set piece, whilst maintaining their ability to hurt teams physically on both sides of the ball,” added McMillan.
“They have also shown some nice innovations in their attack, so we will be anticipating everything and assuming nothing.
“A highlight this week is rewarding players who have worked hard to get their first opportunity to play. We back our full squad and can’t wait to see them state their case for further inclusion, especially at home in front of our loyal supporters.”
Chiefs team to face Moana Pasifika
Chiefs: 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Rameka Poihipi (c), 11 Peniasi Malimali, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Simon Parker, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Jimmy Tupou, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Sione Ahio, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown
Date: Saturday, April 6
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:05 local (07:05 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Matt Kellahan
TMO: TBC
READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific Team of the Week: Resurgent Crusaders lead the way
