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Chiefs
27
Match Complete
Queensland Reds
15
| 80 |  | T. Lynagh | ||
| D. McKenzie |  | 79 | ||
| X. Roe | | 78 | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 71 | ||
| S. Taukei'aho | | 70 | ||
| D. McKenzie |  | 56 | ||
| 39 | | J. Brial | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 26 | ||
| 18 | | M. Faessler | ||
| D. McKenzie | | 3 | ||
| L. Jacobson | | 2 |
| 3 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 2 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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As Chiefs Clayton McMillan once again stacked his bench, Reds coach Les Kiss will bring Tom Lynagh off the pine amid wholesale changes for Friday evening’s top-of-the-table clash in Hamilton (5.05pm AEDT). Join The Roar for live scores and updates.
After negotiating a tricky period without several internationals, Kiss has welcomed back seven Wallabies for the trans-Tasman clash.
In particular, star back-row duo Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson return to join Joe Brial as the loose-forward trio. Seru Uru has been given a spell.
There’s plenty of movement in the tight-five, with the consistent hooker Matt Faessler returning from injury. Faessler joins former All Blacks duo Alex Hodgman and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen up front.
Josh Canham returns at second-row and partners his former Rebels teammate Lukhan Salakia-Loto.
There’s a few changes in the backline too, with Tate McDermott injected back at halfback. The Test regular joins Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the starting side, with Lynagh afforded the chance to come off the bench against a physical Chiefs pack.
Hunter Paisami has shaken off a head injury to start at inside-centre, with Dre Pakeho shifting to outside centre. That move sees the inform Filipo Daugunu shift to the wing.
“Hunter has been a fantastic influence on how Dre has developed this season. Dre has made the most of every minute he has had this season and his positive attitude has been first class. I’m looking forward to seeing Dre’s partnership with Hunter,” Kiss said.
“Up front, Matty Faessler is back to be pillared by Jeffery and Alex in a scrum that is going exceptionally well for us.”
There’s a healthy blend of experience and youth on the bench, which is headlined by the return of Wallaby Jock Campbell after a stint on the sidelines.
The Reds and Chiefs have gone three wins apiece over their past six matches with four of those decided by less than a converted try.
It is a sign of where this highly-appealing match sits that both sides average around five tries per game and are close to the most miserly in defence.
The Chiefs have won 19 of their past 21 games at FMG Stadium Waikato.
“It’s a great ground to play rugby at. It’s also one of the toughest places to play at with a boisterous fan base with their cow bells,” Kiss said.
“We’ve shown we are robust and resilient and that our skills have come through to solve problems at the right time.
“We work at being stronger each week. This is another challenge to aim up to in Hamilton against a team that has shown they are right on top of their game.”
Meanwhile, McMillan has made few changes to his lineup after returning from a bye week, following their 50-35 victory against Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe in their last outing.
McMillan has brought back midfielder Quinn Tupaea and openside flanker Jahrome Brown to their starting side. Shaun Stevenson starts for his 100th match at fullback.
But it’s off the bench that McMillan will be wanting the Chiefs to flex their muscles.
The decision worked a treat in their round one win over the Blues and the Munster-bound coach has elected to bring off some of his heavy artillery off the bench again, with Test forwards Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tupou Vaa’i and Samipeni Finau named as replacements.
Chiefs (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Reds (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jock Campbell
Referee: Nic Berry
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.