Chiefs v Drua

Bovidae

It will be interesting to see how many changes, if any, McMillan makes for this game. The Chiefs won't be taking the Drua lightly but have the Crusaders the following week. This is the game Josh Lord has been targeting for his return so he would likely be on the bench. Selby-Rickit needs another game too so I wouldn't be surprised if he starts and Vaa'i is rested. That would mean Ah Kuoi misses out in the 23. I would also expect the rotation of the reserve hooker with Thompson replacing Slater.

I can't see any changes to the starting backline unless Nankivell is available again. Maybe Josh Ioane is back to replace Gatland in the reserves. Wrampling could make a welcome return.

ploughboy

moli must be getting close

Bovidae

@ploughboy said in Chiefs v Drua:

moli must be getting close

Has he been playing club rugby in Blenheim? The other players have been active over the last few weeks. Punivai was listed to play in Taranaki club rugby on Saturday.

The Chiefs have been surviving using only 4 props. Proffit has only been in the 23 once.

ploughboy

@Bovidae i dont know, i thought he was aiming for last week

Crazy Horse

If Lord plays I am looking forward to seeing how he goes. Prior to his injury I thought he appeared like he was somewhat bigger than when he played for the ABs and he was winning his fair share of contact situations.

Crucial

@ploughboy said in Chiefs v Drua:

moli must be getting close

I'm sure I've seen that post for years now.

ploughboy

@Crucial said in Chiefs v Drua:

@ploughboy said in Chiefs v Drua:

moli must be getting close

I'm sure I've seen that post for years now.

i know but if he can get back to his best (im a pessimist)he is our missing link

Bovidae

@ploughboy said in Chiefs v Drua:

i know but if he can get back to his best (im a pessimist)he is our missing link

What role do you see for Moli? I agree that a fully fit and mobile Moli would be a great bench TH option, and provide more options and allow rotation. Dyer has made a huge difference to the stability of the scrum since he has started, but Moli would definitely offer more than Ryan around the field.

ploughboy

@Bovidae said in Chiefs v Drua:

@ploughboy said in Chiefs v Drua:

i know but if he can get back to his best (im a pessimist)he is our missing link

What role do you see for Moli? I agree that a fully fit and mobile Moli would be a great bench TH option, and provide more options and allow rotation. Dyer has made a huge difference to the stability of the scrum since he has started, but Moli would definitely offer more than Ryan around the field.

dyers been good but still has training wheels on. defilently need him on bench or starting

ARHS

Dyer is going well in my view. Thought Taukeiaho might have an enforced rest this week though.
Hoping to see Nankivell back to add some penetration on attack.

ploughboy

@ARHS said in Chiefs v Drua:

Dyer is going well in my view. Thought Taukeiaho might have an enforced rest this week though.
Hoping to see Nankivell back to add some penetration on attack.

mate im not anti dyer i think hes got the goods but we carnt expect him to carry the tighthead side by himself.in his first year in the side

ARHS

@ploughboy yes agreed. Just want someone to share the workload so hope Moli back soon and maybe Taavao before finals?

Bovidae

https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-inject-fresh-talent-for-clash-against-the-fijian-drua

Gallagher Chiefs team to face the Fijian Drua:

1 Ollie Norris (35)
2 Samisoni Taukei'aho (70)
3 John Ryan (7)
4 Brodie Retallick (Captain, 121)
5 Manaaki Selby-Rickit (2)
6 Samipeni Finau (24)
7 Kaylum Boshier (15)
8 Pita Gus Sowakula (60)
9 Cortez Ratima (16)
10 Bryn Gatland (28)
11 Etene Nanai-Seturo (35)
12 Rameka Poihipi (21)
13 Daniel Rona (4)
14 Shaun Stevenson (74)
15 Damian McKenzie (102)

Reserves:
16 Tyrone Thompson (8)
17 Jared Proffit (1)
18 Solomone Tukuafu (1)
19 Josh Lord (15)
20 Tupou Vaa'i (36)
21 Simon Parker (4)
22 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (39)
23 Gideon Wrampling (1)

Players not considered due to injury: Angus Ta'avao, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe (season), Alex Nankivell, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson

Bovidae

The fact that Tukuafu is in the reserves tells us that Moli isn't fit to play. A 6:2 bench.

ARHS

@Bovidae Nice to see both Wrampling and Lord back.

Stargazer

Glad to see Thompson on the bench. Of course I have a black & white eye patch on, but I think he has a much higher ceiling than Slater, so the more game time he gets, the better.