Game Preview: Round One V Chiefs

22 Feb 2024

It doesn’t get much better to kick things off for 2024 than a battle with the Chiefs. They are arguably our most fierce competitors, the two sides no doubt ready to put on a show.

It’ll be the first game ever trialing the new law variation aimed at discouraging endless kicking for territory and encouraging running rugby. Fans and coaches alike will be interested to see how this pans out and its influence on game play.

It’s a rematch of the 2023 final – same teams, same venue – but Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney said his team were approaching it like any other game. Fans of both clubs may not have the same cool calm head when it comes to this showdown, the bitter and the sweet of their last encounter still fresh in the mind.

Key team news

Two debuts for the Crusaders in Rivez Reihana and Levi Aumua – Reihana’s selection of particular interest as the battle for the 10 jersey gets under way in light of Richie Mo’unga’s departure and Fergus Burke’s injury. Taha Kemara sits in the wings ready to make an impact off the bench when needed.

Sevu Reece and George Bower pull the jersey on again after lengthy stints on the sideline last season. Two seasoned pros joining the ranks to bolster a side full of depth and talent.

Last hit out

What more is there to say. Our last hit out with the Chiefs was literally our last game of the 2023 season and a Grand Final to boot. The Crusaders took it out 25-20 despite losing to the Chiefs twice in the round robin stages.

The cowbells will be ringing around FMG Stadium Waikato to welcome our boys back to Hamilton. Will that be fuel to the fire or get in their heads? All will be revealed Friday night.

Match ups

Surely the biggest one here is Damien McKenzie v Rivez Reihana. The former teammates face off from opposite ends of the field this season. Both with fire in their bellies and points to prove.

Anton Lienert-Brown will be looking across the paddock at new-recruit Levi Aumua. Strength and grace combine for both these athletes.

Macca Springer’s Chiefs counterpart is Etene Nanai-Seturo who will likely play his 50th for the Chiefs this season. A veteran already at only 24, Nanai-Seturo has a fair few tries to his name, as does Springer who is set to find his straps in earnest in the ’24 season as a top pick for the left wing.

Cullen Grace will no doubt have his eye on fellow All Black and Chiefs captain Luke Jacobsen in his opposite number – a huge contest brewing there.

Chay Fihaki has the call up at fullback for the Crusaders, Shaun Stevenson for the Chiefs. Who will prove themselves as the steady hands and playmaker on the night?

Key stats

Crusaders and Chiefs have squared off 47 times, our boys coming out on top 28 times to the Chiefs 19. More even odds for games played in Hamilton, the Crusaders pipping the hosts 10 wins to 8.