It may have taken until the sixteenth week of the competition but for the first time this year, the Chiefs are finally able to field what might be their most dangerous possible back three in their quarter-final showdown with the Waratahs.
That comes courtesy of the return from injury of fleetfooted sevens exponent Etene Nanai-Seturo, who will line up in the No 11 jersey on Saturday afternoon for the first time since the Chiefs’ loss to the Brumbies in early May
A head knock suffered by Kaleb Trask in the narrow win over the Fijian Drua last weekend has handed the fullback berth to Emoni Narawa while Jonah Lowe – one of the more underrated wingers in the competition – rounds out the outside backs with a promotion from the bench.
While the three dangermen have collectively accrued 22 run-on appearances this season, not once have they all combined in a starting line-up.
Sam Cane’s return from injury – which was not always a given – has also strengthened the Chiefs pack and while injuries and illness have blighted the team’s season to date, it appears that things are finally coming right for coach Clayton McMillan at the perfect moment.
All in all, McMillan has made just the three personnel changes – Nanai-Seturo, Lowe and Cane – to the starting line-up from the side that defeated the Drua in the final round of the regular season.
Up front, Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Angus Ta’avao will combine for the ninth time this season while All Blacks Brodie Retallick and Tupou Vaa’i will suit up in the second row. Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Atunaisa Moli and Naitoa Ah Kuoi will provide tight five cover with lock Josh Lord still unavailable for selection.
