The Gallagher Chiefs are hoping to fill FMG Stadium Waikato again for their final regular-season DHL Super Rugby Pacific clash pitting the two top Kiwi sides against each other tonight.

Clayton McMillan has named a powerful side to take on the Hurricanes at FMG Stadium Waikato for the second time this season, before heading to Australia for their final two games ahead of the playoffs.

"We are excited to get back to FMG Stadium Waikato and hope our loyal supporters will be there in force again to support the team," says Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.

"Whilst the loss last week hurt, there is value if we are able to adjust and grow from the lessons we learned and that has been our focus this week.

"The Hurricanes pose significant challenges, particularly through their attack where they lead the competition in tries, clean breaks, defenders beaten, offloads, and post-contact carry metres – so we understand the challenge that's coming and will need to be on."

The strong front row combination of Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho and George Dyer will start this week, with support off the bench from Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris and John Ryan.

Tupou Vaa'i, who holds the joint second most lineout steals in the competition (7), will start at lock alongside seasoned competitor Brodie Retallick. Naitoa Ah Kuoi who is close with joint fourth most lineout steals (6) is named in the reserves.

Pita Gus Sowakula will join Sam Cane, who returns from All Blacks rest, and Luke Jacobson in the loose forwards. Cane's co-captain Brad Weber commands his starting position at halfback whilst Cortez Ratima who boasts the second most accurate passing percentage in the competition (99.3%) will provide impact from the bench.

Damian McKenzie slots into first-five and Anton Lienert-Brown into second five. Winger's Etene Nanai-Seturo and Emoni Narawa are named again, with Shaun Stevenson at fullback and Alex Nankivell back in the starting lineup at centre.

In the reserves, Josh Ioane will provide support for first-five and Rameka Poihipi for the midfield.

The charity round match supporting the Variety Warm Hearts Winter Appeal will kick off at 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Gallagher Chiefs team to face the Hurricanes:

1. Aidan Ross (69)
2. Samisoni Taukei'aho (73)
3. George Dyer (16)
4. Brodie Retallick (123)
5. Tupou Vaa'i (40)
6. Pita Gus Sowakula (63)
7. Sam Cane (Co-Captain, 145)
8. Luke Jacobson (58)
9. Brad Weber (Co-Captain, 118)
10. Damian McKenzie (106)
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo (38)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (101)
13. Alex Nankivell (65)
14. Emoni Narawa (9)
15. Shaun Stevenson (78)

Reserves

16. Tyrone Thompson (11)
17. Ollie Norris (39)
18. John Ryan (11)
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (43)
20. Simon Parker (6)
21. Cortez Ratima (20)
22. Josh Ioane (9)
23. Rameka Poihipi (24)

Gallagher Chiefs caps in brackets.

Players not considered due to injury

Angus Ta'avao, Quinn Tupaea, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, Gideon Wrampling, Ngatungane Punivai, Kaylum Boshier.

Warm Hearts Winter Appeal

The Chiefs Rugby Club is working with Variety for the fourth successive season to support the charity's annual Warm Hearts Winter Appeal, with the goal of raising funds for 50 beds for Kiwi kids in need. If in the position to do so, we encourage fans to donate via the links below or drop donations at the collection buckets at the game.

Information About Donations:
The following items can be purchased from the Chiefs online store, with all funds going directly to Variety to purchase the items. All $8 child tickets purchased will be given to Varity to attend the game, however, if the number of tickets exceeds the number of children wishing to attend, then the funds will be transferred to Variety as part of the fundraising total.
• $8 will fund a ticket for a child to attend a Gallagher Chiefs game
• $45 will fund a warm blanket
• $92 will fund a bedding pack
• $454 will fund a single bed and mattress
• $703 will fund bunks beds and mattresses

Donate here: https://store.chiefs.co.nz/collections/variety-the-childrens-charity

Jersey Auction:
Samisoni Taukei'aho's jersey worn for this weekend's game against the Hurricanes will be signed by the team and auctioned with all proceeds going to Variety. View the auction here: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/sports/sports-memorabilia/rugby-union/jerseys/listing/4135527580

Fixture Information
Gallagher Chiefs v Hurricanes
FMG Stadium Waikato
Saturday May 20 2023
Kick off: 7.05pm
Live: Sky Sport