Chiefs v Force: Jono Gibbes shakes up line-up after loss to Brumbies

Emoni Narawa has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs until the end of the 2029 season. Photo / Photosport

After the Gallagher Chiefs’ loss against the Brumbies last week, Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes has made some changes to this weekend’s starting line-up against the Western Force.

Gibbes said while there was a revamped look to the team, many of the changes were injury-enforced, and it remained a quality 23.

“This is still a very experienced and strong side that reflects the depth we have in the squad,” Gibbes said.

“We don’t take the Force lightly, especially on their home patch and after the loss to the Brumbies ... it’s important we get the little things right on Saturday.”

Leroy Carter will run out in the unfamiliar centre’s jersey for the Chiefs.

Carter has finished games at centre but this is the first time he has started there, as the team deals with the loss through injury of regular centres Daniel Rona and Lalakai Foketi.

Emoni Narawa, who re-signed with the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2029 this week, will start on the right wing.

Narawa said the chance to compete for a spot at a World Cup with the All Blacks was a big part of why he decided to remain in New Zealand.

Narawa played his 50th Super Rugby game for the Gallagher Chiefs against the Highlanders last month.

It was his first match after puncturing his lung playing for the All Blacks against South Africa in the win at Eden Park last year.

“I’m looking forward to what’s ahead and hoping I can help our Chiefs whānau secure a Super Rugby title. My little family and I are blessed to stay here,” Narawa said.

In the starting line-up for this weekend’s match, Damian McKenzie is moving to fullback and Josh Jacomb is taking his place at first five.

Halfbacks Cortez Ratima and Xavier Roe have also switched.

Brodie McAlister will start at hooker for the first time this year, after being sidelined with a broken hand.

Sione Ahio also returns from injury for the first time this year on the bench, where he is joined by towering lock Fiti Sa on debut.

Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi will start at lock, after Tupou Vaa’i was forced to return home with a knee injury, and the loose forwards have been rejigged, with skipper Luke Jacobson at openside, Simon Parker at No 8 and Samipeni Finau on the blindside.

All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho is on the bench after starting every game this year and shouldering a massive workload.

The game will take place on March 28 at HBF Park in Perth, with kick-off 9.35pm (NZT).

Chiefs to play the Force

1. Jared Proffit
2. Brodie McAllister
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Lord
5. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson
8. Simon Parker
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Leroy Carter
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves

1. Samisoni Taukei’aho
2. Ollie Norris
3. Sione Ahio
4. Fiti Sa
5. Kaylum Boshier
6. Cortez Ratima
7. Kyle Brown
8. Kyren Taumoefolau