Gibbes has named a starting XV and reserves. No XV for each half. A lot of WTG and a few U20 players in the team. Good to see ENS at fullback, and Vaa'i is involved.

I think the game is only available on the Chiefs Pass.

Hoping to get along if I can

Nice touch from Kyle Brown there to set up ENS.

For those interested, Drua have quietly signed Virimi Vakatawa, former French international.

@WoodysRFC As you are watching, I'd be interested to know how Kumeroa goes in the scrums at LH.

Just got home and tuned in. 19-14 to the Chiefs after 26 mins

Big steps from Coombes-Fabling to get in after a great cross field kick from Roe. Try converted 26-14 Chiefs.

Manasa Mataele makes a break and a Drua player (not sure who) scores off support play. 26-21 Chiefs ahead.

Ah Kuoi in. 33-21 Chiefs ahead at half time. Coombes-Fabling, Eti and Foketi stand outs.

@Bovidae said in Chiefs v Drua (pre-season Wk 1):

@WoodysRFC As you are watching, I'd be interested to know how Kumeroa goes in the scrums at LH.

Held up the scrum pretty well his side, Drua scrum is looking pretty powerful. From a defensive POV, Chiefs D reminds of that preseason game they had against the Wild Knights.

Very hot here. Eti has been great as has LCF. Some good heads up stuff from Roe also. The reserves trooped on before halftime.

With some more weight on his frame, Eti is going to be a very good lock.

Scored a nice try following through his charge down a long way

Jai Knight scores. 40-21 Chiefs.

Drua score after a good cutout pass. 40-26.

@Yeetyaah Heaps of subs for the 2nd half?

@Bovidae yeah heaps who I don't recognize haha. Cook-Savage at 10, Taimiro Armstrong at 9. Most of the forward pack.

@Yeetyaah

Armstrong is a midfielder. Ignore the jersey numbers.

True TTT is on at halfback. Armstrong made a huge couple of tackles on some big boys.

Brady-Leathem is the other halfback in the squad.

Slog of a second half. Lots of dropped balls.

Chiefs scored one that I missed, Drua just scored now. 77 mins, 47-31 Chiefs ahead.

FT Chiefs 47 Drua 31.

Hopefully no injuries in these games.

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs v Drua (pre-season Wk 1):

Chiefs scored one that I missed

Micah Fale according to the SM photos.

Was a sloppy second half by Chiefs. But great opportunity for most of the fringe guys to get a run. Very hot too.
Chiefs may need to look at a few things around the breakdown. Drua very competitive there and some balls turned over.

To be expected when you look at the players on the bench. The Chiefs have four hookers in the squad, and none were involved in this game. Both Sa brothers were missing, as well as a few others who should be in the top 23 (excluding ABs). Let's see who gets to play the Hurricanes next Sat.

How did Cook-Savage go at 1st 5? I expect this season will be used for his development before being more involved in 2027.

@Bovidae said in Chiefs v Drua (pre-season Wk 1):

To be expected when you look at the players on the bench. The Chiefs have four hookers in the squad, and none were involved in this game. Both Sa brothers were missing, as well as a few others who should be in the top 23 (excluding ABs). Let's see who gets to play the Hurricanes next Sat.

How did Cook-Savage go at 1st 5? I expect this season will be used for his development before being more involved in 2027.

Busy on defence, punches above his weight, and looks controlled, definitely fits into a system well.