The centerpiece for round 9 of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, the Gallagher Chiefs will play the Fijian Drua at home.
The Fijian Drua meet the Chiefs at FMG Stadium in Hamilton at 7.05pm Friday.
All Blacks lock Brodie Retallik has been named captain for the Chiefs ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific matchup against the Fijian Drua on Friday.
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Rameka Poihipi, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Bryn Gatland, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 4 Brodie Retallick (c), 3 John Ryan, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Solomone Tukuafu, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Tupou Vaa’i, 21 Simon Parker, 22 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 23 Gideon Wrampling
Date: Friday, April 21
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:05 local (08:05 BST, 07:05 GMT)
Referee: tbc
Assistant Referees: tbc
Olympic Gold Medalist Kalione Nasoko
Haereiti Hetet, a loose-head prop for the Flying Fijians, and Michael Naitokani, an inside center, will both make their season debuts as well. Chris Minimbi will start on the bench.
Isoa Nasilasila and Leone Rotuisolia will be paired in the second row, and Tevita Ikanivere will serve as the team’s captain once more.
Elia Canakaivata switches to the openside, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta stays at position eight, while Joseva Tamani continues to play the blindside flanker position.
In the backline, Teti Tela and Peni Matawalu will again team up at fly-half, with Apisalome Vota manning the outside center position.
With Ilaisa Droasese starting on the right wing and Selestino Ravutaumada at fullback, the backline is completed by Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
On the bench are Kitione Taliga, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Rusiate Nasove, and Mesulame Dolokoto.