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Get ready for one of the games of the season, as the Blues travel to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs. Join The Roar for live scores from 5.05pm AEDT.
Both sides have some big inclusions, particularly in the second-row with Tupou Vaa’i returning for the home side and big Patrick Tuipulotu for the Blues.
The unbeaten Chiefs have named a settled side, with Damian McKenzie returning to the No.10 jersey and Shaun Stevenson moving to fullback after coming off the bench last week.
“This is a game that the boys look forward to,” head coach Clayton McMillan said. “They are our closest neighbours and they are a team stacked with All Blacks.
“They understand how they want to play and they have the ability to impose that game on you if you allow them. They present a significant challenge.
“The rivalry seems to bring the best out in both teams and I anticipate this will be a very physical contest. “We owe it to our loyal supporters to deliver a performance that they can be proud of and hope they arrive in droves to witness what should be a barn-stormer.”
The Blues, meanwhile, had made sweeping changes after resting a handful of stars last weekend.
Halves Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett return, as does Rieko Ioane at outside centre and Caleb Clarke on the wing.
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The Blues have some much needed strength coming off the bench after Tuipulotu’s return, while Ofa Tuungafasi and James Lay offer some muscle too.
“Nothing beats the Battle of the Bombays! We’ve had some epic matches over the years and I’m sure this will be no different. Bragging rights are on the line,” Blues captain Dalton Papalii said.
“The Chiefs have been the form side so far this season, they’re unbeaten and playing some good code, but there’s a focus and intensity to what we’ve been doing this week, we’re ready to head down the road and take the game to them.”
Game information
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato
Kick-off: 5.05pm (AEDT) Streaming: Stan Sport Betting: Chiefs $1.75, Blues $2.08 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
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Chiefs: Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Blues: Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Stephen Perofeta
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Lay, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Zarn Sullivan)
