Western Force will host the Chiefs in Perth in the opening round of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
The Chiefs have shifted star playmaker Damian McKenzie to first five-eighth as they look to get their stuttering attack back on track in their Super Rugby Trans-Tasman opener against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday night. In naming their side on Thursday, the Chiefs have handed McKenzie the No 10 jersey for the second time this season, which sees Bryn Gatland play from the bench and Chase Tiatia start at fullback. That was the formation used for the final 35 minutes of last weekend’s Super Rugby Aotearoa decider defeat against the Crusaders, and McKenzie has usually finished games in the pivot role this year, but the Chiefs are looking to defy their arduous travel schedule and shoot out of the blocks at HBF Park by getting their attacking whiz running the cutter.
Sevu Reece: Took this opening try brilliantly and covered an enormous amount of ground defensively. There is no one better in New Zealand when it comes to coverting chances in tight spaces, and Reece is probably making better reads in defence than his breakout year in 2019. Docked a mark for his yellow card but he’s back in All Blacks form.
7.5
Leicester Fainga’anuku: His form has been so good the Crusaders may keep him at No 13 even when Jack Goodhue is back and Braydon Ennor is fully fit. Smashed his way past anyone wearing a Chiefs jersey and his leg drive is phenomenal.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
MAGNIFICENT MCKENZIE
From his scintillating counterattack and clutch goal-kicking to his ability to switch between full back and first five, Damian McKenzie has been central to the Chiefs revival in 2021. McKenzie’s clutch goal kicking has scooped the Chiefs three last gasp victories this season and helped him to a competition leading tally of 98 points. Halfback and captain Brad Weber sang his praises following McKenzie’s match-winning penalty against the Hurricanes in round nine: “He’s the hottest property in town. He deserves it, because he’s the hardest working guy that I’ve seen in our group, the prep that he puts in, so it’s no surprise to us.”
Live Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa updates: Crusaders v Chiefs
8 May, 2021 06:30 AM
4 minutes to read
Cheree Kinnear is joined by NZ Herald’s Lachlan Waugh as they look ahead to the Super Rugby final, Supercars Supersprint plus more this weekend. Video / NZ Herald
Cheree Kinnear is joined by NZ Herald’s Lachlan Waugh as they look ahead to the Super Rugby final, Supercars Supersprint plus more this weekend. Video / NZ Herald
NZ Herald
Crusaders v Chiefs, Saturday May 8, 7.05pm kickoff
After 10 weeks of fierce local derbies, the Crusaders and Chiefs have emerged at the top of the tree of domestic rugby in Aotearoa and will meet for the first time in a Super Rugby final.
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Crusaders 24 Chiefs 13
Chiefs - McKenzie try, conversion & 2 penalties
Second half
40th minute - Crusaders win the scrum and a clearing penalty. Coach Scott Robertson heads to the sideline for his breakdance celebration.
The siren goes, but there s one last lineout - Crusaders feed. They win the throw and Hall kicks to touch.
Well done, Crusaders - that s your five-peat!
39th minute - From the lineout, the ball goes right, but the Chiefs get tangled and are offside, as they try to conjure up a late score.
38th minute - Tiatia runs onto a pass and breaks towards halfway. Crusaders are deemed offside and McKenzie must kick to touch.