Welcome to Wide World of Sports for our live coverage of the Super Rugby Pacific qualifying finals, featuring matches in Hamilton and Canberra.
In the opening clash on Saturday, the Chiefs will put out a reshuffled midfield against the Blues, following the unfortunate injury to Quinn Tupaea.
Tupaea was taken off the field on a stretcher with a significant cut near his eye during the Chiefs’ victory over the Highlanders last weekend.
Quinn Tupaea of the Chiefs receives medical assistance. Getty
The All Blacks midfielder has been cleared of any significant injury, but he has not been passed fit to take on the defending champions.
With fellow Test player Anton Lienert-Brown also unavailable, the Chiefs will count on Daniel Rona and Gideon Wrampling in the midfield.
Chiefs coach McMillan has selected Simon Parker ahead of breakout star Wallace Sititi for the No.8 spot, which comes as a surprise.
Wallace Sititi of the Chiefs powers forward. Getty
“The Blues have been developing their game well over the last few weeks,” said Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan. “We anticipate they’ll come into the match with some momentum and plenty of confidence. We’ll treat this match with the same respect we give all opponents, understanding they will present a significant challenge.”
The Blues will make a single alteration to their line-up, with Adrian Choat taking over from Anton Segner at blindside flanker.
Chiefs (1) vs Blues (6)
SAT 7 JUNE: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Gideon Wrampling, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
TMO: James Leckie
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