Putāruru-born forward Jahrome Brown will finally don the Gallagher Chiefs jersey in front of a home crowd, marking his debut against the Crusaders on Friday night.

Brown, 28, has been named in the run-on side for the highly anticipated New Zealand derby at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Having spent six seasons in Australia with the Brumbies, he returned to his hometown club during the off-season and now becomes the third player to debut for the Chiefs in 2025, following Brodie McAlister and Leroy Carter.

Head coach Clayton McMillan said Brown's selection was a proud moment for the team.

“We’re really excited for Jahrome to have the opportunity to put on the jersey for the first time and to do it in front of whānau and friends at home as well,” McMillan said.

Adding to the occasion, midfielder Quinn Tupaea is set to earn his 50th cap if he is used off the bench. The 24-year-old has been with the Chiefs for six seasons and has overcome significant injury setbacks to reach this milestone.

“It’s also a special milestone in line for Quinn, especially given some of the adversity he’s had to overcome to get there,” McMillan added.

The Chiefs opened their 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a 25-14 victory over the Blues in Auckland, and McMillan is expecting another fierce encounter.

“The Crusaders are always formidable and showed their grit and class last week against the Hurricanes. We anticipate another huge battle,” he said.

In other squad changes, Emoni Narawa replaces Etene Nanai-Seturo, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Narawa, alongside fellow All Black Anton Lienert-Brown, returns to the starting XV after featuring off the bench in Round 1.

Bradley Slater will start at hooker, with McAlister moving to the bench for the clash against his former club. Tupou Vaa’i also returns to the starting lineup after a strong showing as a substitute against the Blues.

Kick-off is set for 7.05pm, with matchday sponsor Tuatahi First Fibre backing the home side in what promises to be a thrilling contest.