Wrampling, Burr return for Moana Pasifika game
Season debuts are inbound for utility back Gideon Wrampling and Scottish loose forward Hamilton Burr when the Gallagher Chiefs face Moana Pasifika this Friday.
The duo have played alongside each other for many years with Waikato in Bunnings NPC and within the Gallagher Chiefs environment since 2021, the same year Wrampling debuted and Burr first became part of the team’s wider training squad.
“When you understand the challenges someone like Gideon Wrampling has been through to get back playing, you can’t help but get excited for him and others who have been diligently waiting for their opportunity to showcase their ability,” said Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.
“We look forward to being hosted by Moana Pasifika in Culture Week. It was amazing to see the interest and atmosphere generated from their game last week in Tonga, and I’m sure their New Zealand-based supporters will be keen to get along to support them as we head into an important phase for all teams.”
At their last meeting, the Gallagher Chiefs set a franchise record of 10 tries scored in a game to put 68 points on the board over Moana Pasifikas 12.
“We anticipate meeting a fired-up Moana Pasifika team. We know that history is not always a great predictor of your future, so we are taking nothing for granted, despite our recent success against them in round seven,” said McMillan.
“The team has been hit with injuries in recent weeks, predominantly at lock, but we are fortunate to have some depth in that position. No team is immune from injury setbacks in a collision-based sport, and our belief has always been it takes a full squad to go deep in the competition.”
Said injuries see Manaaki Selby-Rickit move into the starting lineup at lock and Simon Parker at flanker. Exciting rookie Josh Jacomb starts at first-five and Liam Coombes-Fabling gets another opportunity on the wing with Etene Nanai-Seturo continuing to hold down fullback in the absence of Shaun Stevenson.
The Culture Round clash will kick off at 7.05pm this Friday at Go Media Stadium.
Gallagher Chiefs to face Moana Pasifika (player name – iwi/village/region):
1. Ollie Norris - Ngāpuhi
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho - Fahefa, ‘Ofu Vava’u (Tonga)
3. Reuben O’Neill - Taranaki
4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit - Ngāti Raukawa / Ngāti Tūwharetoa
5. Tupou Vaa’i - Petani Eua, Koloa Vavau (Tonga)
6. Simon Parker - Northland
7. Luke Jacobson (captain) - Waikato
8. Wallace Sititi - Alafua, Lotopa, Safaatoa, Tufulele (Samoa)
9. Xavier Roe - Coromandel
10. Josh Jacomb – Taranaki
11. Daniel Rona - Te Āti Awa
12. Quinn Tupaea - Tainui
13. Anton Lienert-Brown - Lepea Faleata, Lalo Vaea, and Lotofaga
14. Liam Coombes-Fabling - Waikato
15. Etene Nanai-Seturo – Falelatai and Salelologa Savaii (Samoa)
Reserves
16. Tyrone Thompson - Ngāi Tāmanuhiri / Ngāti Rangiwewehi
17. Jared Proffit - Ngāti Porou
18. Sione Ahio - Pea, Niua Toputapu and Alaki Fonua
19. Hamilton Burr - Scotland
20. Kaylum Boshier - Taranaki
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi - Ngāti Pikiao
22. Rameka Poihipi – Te Arawa
23. Gideon Wrampling - Lalomanu Samoa, Alofi Niue
Unavailable for selection: Kaleb Trask (groin), Damian McKenzie (concussion), Shaun Stevenson (hamstring), Samipeni Finau (AC joint/shoulder), Jimmy Tupou (eye socket/nose fracture), Josh Lord (knee).
