SportsCatch
EN

Chiefs make two concussion-enforced changes as McKenzie reaches 150-game milestone against Crusaders

Jono Gibbes has reshaped his Chiefs squad for Saturday's Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders after Wallace Sititi and Kyle Brown were ruled out with concussions, with Lalakai Foketi stepping into the starting XV at centre. Damian McKenzie will mark his 150th Chiefs appearance in the process.

2 min read
Chiefs make two concussion-enforced changes as McKenzie reaches 150-game milestone against Crusaders
Share

The Chiefs will be without Wallace Sititi and Kyle Brown for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Crusaders after both players were ruled out with concussions, forcing head coach Jono Gibbes to reshape his matchday 23.

Brown’s absence opens the door for Lalakai Foketi, who moves from the bench into the starting XV at centre. Foketi was a late addition to the reserves last week after Leroy Carter failed a fitness test following his recovery from a hamstring injury. Carter has been named again, this time in the No.23 jersey, and the Chiefs will be hoping he clears any pre-match checks without issue.

Amid the disruption, there is a significant milestone to celebrate: Damian McKenzie has been named to play his 150th game for the Chiefs, a landmark the playmaker described as particularly meaningful given the occasion and the venue.

“We have been working really hard throughout the year to put ourselves into playoff contention and to play my 150th against the Crusaders in the semifinal is special,” McKenzie said. “We are extremely excited for this match and ready to rip in. We know what to expect and we know what we need to do to win.”

McKenzie also acknowledged the fine margins that define knockout rugby. “In playoff rugby there are small margins and small moments you have to nail. We know if we stay with what is true to us, it will put us in a good position. Being at home is great, we love playing in front of our fans and we are excited.”

The Chiefs’ injury list extends beyond the two concussion withdrawals, with Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, and Jayden Sa all sidelined for the season with various ailments. Tyrone Thompson is also listed with a concussion.

Gibbes names the following XV to face the Crusaders: Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i (vc), Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea (vc), Lalakai Foketi, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Isaac Hutchinson. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter.

Share