The Chiefs have selected eight All Blacks for their team to face the Queensland Reds in a quarter-final rematch in Hamilton on Friday night.
The two teams will meet again in the playoffs, having clashed at the same stage last season when the Chiefs won 29-20 on their way to the final at FMG Stadium.
The Reds arrive in Hamilton in excellent form, winning four of their last five games. They also carry confidence from a victory over the Chiefs earlier this season in Brisbane.
“When we play the Reds, we tend to bring out the best in each other. Both teams like to express themselves with the ball in hand, and we are expecting a fast-paced and fierce encounter,” said Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.
“We have been impressed with how the Reds have been playing. They are clear on their identity, have threats across the park, and generally look like a cohesive, happy unit. They will be up for this game and have our full respect.”
In key selections, the back row features powerful Wallace Sititi at No 8, captain Luke Jacobson at openside to counter Fraser McReight, and All Black blindside Samipeni Finau at No 6.
In the forward pack, All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho and Tupou Vaa’i are set to start.
In the halves, Cortez Ratima partners All Black Damian McKenzie.
A surprise selection sees Rameka Pohipi starting at second five-eighth over Quinn Tupaea, who will come off the bench.
The dependable back three of Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, and Etene Nanai-Seturo will all start, with Daniel Rona providing utility cover.
**Gallagher Chiefs team to face the Queensland Reds:**
1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Jimmy Tupou
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Rameka Poihipi
13. Anton Lienert-Brown
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
**Reserves**
16. Bradley Slater
17. Jared Proffit
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Simon Parker
21. Xavier Roe
22. Quinn Tupaea
23. Daniel Rona
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