Chiefs have won 4 in a row against the Highlanders. The last 3 games have been comfortable margins too (24, 21 & 10 point victories)

Tab currently has it 1.20 v 4.50

Round 5 and the this is the 3rd Chiefs match in Hamilton. But remember the Melbourne match was also technically a home game

Only 3 of the remaining 9 games are at home

Photos have shown Narawa and Ah Kuoi training. Even excluding Tupou, McMillan won't be able to fit the other four locks into the 23. Either MSR or Ah Kuoi misses out I think.

If Narawa starts then Rona goes back to centre? Or maybe Tupaea (not his best position).

so chiefs will be desperate to get the points before a tough run to finals

I think the TAB odds are probably right, hope we can keep it close, make them work for it

Unavailable for selection: Kaleb Trask (injury), Malachi Wrampling (injury), Samisoni Taukei’aho (All Blacks rest), Anton Lienert-Brown (injury/concussion)

That's a Taranaki-dominated forward pack.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon (capt), Sean Withy, Pari Pari Parkinson, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Ayden Johnstone

Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Oliver Haig, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Connor Garden-Bachop

full strength so not surrendering, ive always really liked CGB so happy to see him get a couple of games

Cant help but think i might have even started with Ajay...and had Patchell close it out...might to late for the young exciting play to achieve much by the time he comes on

@Duluth said in Chiefs v Highlanders:

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon (capt), Sean Withy, Pari Pari Parkinson, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Ayden Johnstone

Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Oliver Haig, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Connor Garden-Bachop

IMO, this is pretty much the best side we could have put out. Only complaint would be I'd have Hastie over Arscott, and probably Bogado over CGB, but realistically if we are going well both will be negligible as I doubt they'll see much game-time.

This should be a good game. From what I have seen this season, I'd expect to see this be a close game for the first 60 minutes for definite... Highlanders likely to start well, so it should be fairly level at this point - particularly if they rebound after a step backwards last week.

What this will come down to, is whether the Highlanders can close it out. The Chiefs bench is undoubtedly stronger, particularly in the tight five, so it will be crucial the Highlanders avoid going to scrum time as the game closes out.

I honestly believe if the Highlanders can be accurate, they are absolutely a chance.

Looking forward to seeing Narawa back on the park for the Chiefs. One of the standouts in Super last year.

@Canes4life me too mate, really hope he can get back last year's form (except against Canes of course)

It looks like the rain will continue all day, including during the game.

We might get within 25 points I reckon.

Harmon with 76 tackles and zero misses. Crazy.

hope the Landers put up a good contest.

FFS 90 secs and we've had 1 kick, 2 scrum resets for a free kick and an penalty.....

How annoying is the music.

@akan004 said in Chiefs v Highlanders:

How annoying is the music.

nearly as much as the lack of rugby in the first 5 mins.... literally not even a pass or a tackle yet

What did rugby do to deserve TJ and Kane Hames as commentators?

Volume OFF.

Highlander a rubbish start

Harsh yellow imo.

The usual shoddy Highlanders' defence.

Landers are mud.... this will be a cricket score.

First game I've seen with the Highlanders playing

Not impressed so far

14-0 after 14 minutes

@Tim It's not TJ

hmmmm 3 consecutive penalties in the red zone and no card.... makes the Lander YC very harsh

Why aren't the Chiefs using Stevenson's boot?

Be cool if Hames was here to commentate instead of cheerlead.

Aside from his ability in the opposition 22, McKenzie does not inspire optimism ...

Pretty happy to be within 14 what with the highlanders being inept at rugby and the chiefs being almighty powerful.

Chiefs should be starting Dyer and Norris.

The fuck was that option Patchell? Bizarre

Fark its going to be a long season supporting the Landers

Great to see Tale'a injury free and playing well. Always had the talent but has been cursed with injury.

card that idiot

FFS..... reckless / careless bloody poor technique - deserved a Card.. and no HIA for Quinn

I've seen enough, this is too hard to watch for this landers fan ....

Congrats Chiefs ( hope there are no significant injuries as the roll over these chumps)

@Mattasaurus said in Chiefs v Highlanders:

FFS..... reckless / careless bloody poor technique - deserved a Card.. and no HIA for Quinn

No need for an HIA when the player has the presence of mind to quickly look for an official to plead for a card

Fakatava often farts around at the ruck.

McKenzie's exits have been pretty average today.