Force v Chiefs
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Has there been any indication of what sort of side the Chiefs are putting out?
I assume they are going to rest a lot of players. Also they probably don't want some of their top guys to travel that far?
That could have a big impact on the Highlanders changes of making the 8
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It seems other players are going to Perth rather than some returning to NZ. I wouldn't be expecting all of the best players to be involved though.
Tupou Vaa’i and Anton Lienert-Brown missed the game against the Brumbies on All Blacks rest weeks, though McMillan had said they would rejoin the squad in Perth, while it’s not expected the Chiefs will send any personnel the other way, and rather embrace the opportunity for the players to bond together on this fortnight across the ditch leading into the finals.
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@Bovidae said in Force v Chiefs:
It seems other players are going to Perth rather than some returning to NZ. I wouldn't be expecting all of the best players to be involved though.
Tupou Vaa’i and Anton Lienert-Brown missed the game against the Brumbies on All Blacks rest weeks, though McMillan had said they would rejoin the squad in Perth, while it’s not expected the Chiefs will send any personnel the other way, and rather embrace the opportunity for the players to bond together on this fortnight across the ditch leading into the finals.
Half game each for Vaa'i and ALB I reckon.
Jacobsen needs a rest. PGS and Finau to split the time.
Cane possibly a full rest.
DMac and Stevenson also limited time. -
The Force have been rocks and diamonds at times a good win at home over the Brumbies, a win over the Landers and some pretty good performances in New Zealand. Not worth getting any injuries for this one. Force have coped a few hidings as well. Who knows, they can be dangerous at in Perth.
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Gallagher Chiefs team to face the Western Force:
1 Ollie Norris (41)
2 Tyrone Thompson (12)
3 John Ryan (13)
4 Laghlan McWhannell (6)
5 Tupou Vaa'i (41)
6 Naitoa Ah Kuoi (45)
7 Simon Parker (7)
8 Samipeni Finau (28)
9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (49)
10 Rameka Poihipi (26)
11 Etene Nanai-Seturo (40)
12 Anton Lienert-Brown (102, Captain)
13 Alex Nankivell (67)
14 Liam Coombes-Fabling (9)
15 Shaun Stevenson (80)Reserves
16 Bradley Slater (47)
17 Jared Proffit (3)
18 Atunaisa Moli (54)
19 Manaaki Selby-Rickit (25)
20 Pita Gus Sowakula (65)
21 Cortez Ratima (22)
22 Rivez Reihana (8)
23 Lalomilo Lalomilo (1)Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets.
Players not considered due to injury
Angus Ta’avao, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Josh Lord, Gideon Wrampling, Ngatungane Punivai, Kaylum Boshier, Brad Weber. -
That's a huge loose forward trio, but does highlight again that McMillan needs to find another openside for the 2024 squad.
I'd be interested to know when Poihipi last started a game at 1st 5. While he did play 10/12 at 1st XV level that was a few years ago. Ioane could have done with another game but obviously the coaches weren't prepared to risk him.
Stevenson the goal kicker?
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@Bovidae said in Force v Chiefs:
That's a huge loose forward trio
An understatement, Finau 116kg, Parker 117kg, Ah Kuoi 118kg, it's massive, albeit an inventive solution - as how else can you keep your extraordinarily large stockpile of locks & midfielders content with sufficient gametime? Simply spread them throughout the starting lineup (even if out of position, with Poihipi at 10 and Finau 8).
The Chiefs certainly have an incessant well of depth across all positions which less fortunate South Island franchise coaches Razor & Dermody no doubt must envy.
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@Crucial said in Force v Chiefs:
Good management by the looks of it. Keep the squad together up until the captains run then send next weeks guys home early for extra recovery
To continue his usual form that useless piece of shit Tiatia will have a good game against teams I support, after always being crap for teams I support.
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@Nepia said in Force v Chiefs:
@Crucial said in Force v Chiefs:
Good management by the looks of it. Keep the squad together up until the captains run then send next weeks guys home early for extra recovery
To continue his usual form that useless piece of shit Tiatia will have a good game against teams I support, after always being crap for teams I support.
Great opportunity for Stevenson and ENS to show him just how much they deserve to be where they are
Three changes for final home clash against the Chiefs
