Chiefs v Brumbies: Luke Jacobson returns to starting line-up after injury

Action from the Chiefs v Brumbies match last year. Photo / Brett Phibbs, Photosport.nz

The Gallagher Chiefs are refreshed after their bye week and ready for their first game across the ditch of the season against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said the players enjoyed their break.

“The bye came at a good time because we’d had a tough start to the season with the derbies, and the guys have looked refreshed since they’ve been back with us.”

He said the upcoming match against the Brumbies is the first of two in Australia, and the team are excited about being on the road.

“The Brumbies are a terrific side and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini tour for us,” Gibbes said.

“If we get things right, it will help set us up for the rest of the season.”

In the starting line-up for the match against the Brumbies, several All Blacks have been named.

Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson missed the match against Moana Pasifika due to a minor hip injury, but he is back in a settled pack that includes fellow All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord and Simon Parker.

Samipeni Finau, Ollie Norris and Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi are part of the bench.

There is a settled look to the backline too, with All Blacks sprinkled throughout, with Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie at halfback and first five respectively.

The match is a homecoming of sorts for Jahrome Brown, who was born in New Zealand but played 50 games for the Brumbies between 2019 and 2024.

Many of those were alongside Brumbies veteran James Slipper, who will play his 203rd Super Rugby game on Friday, slipping past the record of 202 games set by Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett.

Gibbes said such a milestone was a credit to Slipper’s professionalism and dedication and while the Chiefs hope to spoil the celebrations on the field, they would mark the occasion with him after the match.

Chiefs v Brumbies line-up

1. Jared Profitt
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. Reuben O’Neill
4. Josh Lord
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Simon Parker
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Luke Jacobson
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Daniel Rona
14. Leroy Carter
15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Reserves

1. Tyrone Thompson
2. Ollie Norris
3. George Dyer
4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Samipeni Finau
6. Xavier Roe
7. Josh Jacomb
8. Lalakai Foketi