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The top of the table, undefeated Chiefs welcome the seventh placed Queensland Reds to Yarrow Stadium for the first time in five years following delays from stadium upgrades. Join The Roar from 5pm AEST for live updates.
The Chiefs have had an overhaul from the team that smashed the Highlanders last week, making 10 changes. Tupou Vaa’i is the lone forward who keeps his spot as the Chiefs pick four Taranaki Bulls players in the pack; Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater and Josh Lord along with Vaa’i.
Coach Clayton McMillan went with homegrown talent because, “That played a part in our squad selection; alongside All Blacks rest protocols, increasing squad readiness for upcoming games, and respecting the huge challenge the Reds will bring.
“At this stage of the season, every point counts and I have no doubt both teams will come eager to lock horns in the bullring.”
The Reds will look to bounce back after their close loss to the Waratahs last week. The coaching staff has made eight changes to the team with a brand-new front row of George Blake, Richie Asiata and Peni Ravai.
Angus Blyth and Seru Uru will replace Ryan Smith and Harry Wilson in the back 5 of the pack. Mac Grealy, Filipo Daugunu will take starting roles at left wing and outside centre as Jock Campbell moves to replace injured Jordan Petaia at 15.
When assessing the threat that faces the Reds this Friday, coach Brad Thorn said, “They have threats across the field and we will need to be at our best.”
Game Information Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST) Streaming: Stan Sport Odds: Chiefs $1.06, Reds $10.00 – odds via PlayUp
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Teams
Chiefs (1-15): Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater, John Ryan, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson.
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Atu Moli, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Ioane, Alex Nankivell.
