Match thread

Bovidae

McMillan has said that he wants to get the last of the AB rests out of the way in the next two games. There are also more ABs to manage this season compared to 2023, something McMillan has mentioned.

Obviously DMac and Finau won't be playing due to injury, so if that counts there might not be too many that fall into that category. Maybe just ALB. With only three fit locks (including Lord) they'll all have to be in the 23.

Did we get a date on Finau, update even?

EDIT: Oh

The Chiefs were bouyed by the initial diagnosis of blindside flanker Samipeni Finau, who left the field midway through the first half clutching his shoulder after being tackled in a two-man Force hit.

Head coach Clayton McMillan in his post-match interview believed the AC joint had been bruised but no separation had occurred.

He expected Finau will be unfit to play next week but the shoulder concern was not a long-term injury.

“All the 10s in the competition were probably putting all their karma that way,” McMillan joked with reporters.

Yeetyaah

Wrampling to return from injury off the bench, Burr also off the bench from what I've heard.

Bovidae

As I said, lock cover could be an issue if there are other injuries, so Burr would be the next player up. This might be a game TTT plays too.

Bovidae

@Tim That isn't good news, so Lord must have had a setback in the last week.

Although not listed I think Ah Kuoi's injury was a MCL strain, so only two fit locks at the moment.

African Monkey

@Duluth Far out we really are looking like a club rugby side on paper.

Could be another 60-70 point hiding.

ARHS

Some interesting selections in both teams and several players I want to see given a chance. I might make the trip up for this one

Tim

@gt12 yeah, one of the players I most wanted to watch in derby games this year.

Mr Fish

Can you pick a semi-unproven lock on just a handful of minutes for the All Blacks? Assuming he's fit for the Test season and only out for Super Rugby, that is.

I'd still lean towards 'yes' but obviously wouldn't be too surprised to see Razor and co opt for someone with more games under their belt this year.

Duluth

A lot of MP penalties early

Duluth

Messy work at the back of the scrum by Sititi

taniwharugby

great to see Craig getting plenty of minutes this year, consistent game time does wonders for some

Victor Meldrew

Does the Ref moonlight as a foghorn?

gt12

Chiefs look like shit so far

gt12

Credit to MP, making their tackles as the Chiefs go through their phase play

gt12

Good jinx, we finally get there after a bunch of phases