Pita Gus Sowakula named to start for the Chiefs in their must-win clash against Rebels

Fiji-born No 8 Pita Gus Sowakula has been named to start for the Chiefs in their must-win clash against the Rebels tonight.

Coach Colin Cooper has made only three changes to his starting fifteen that beat the Crusaders in Fiji.

All three changes feature in the forward pack.

Angus Ta’avao will start at tighthead prop, Nathan Harris returns from All Blacks leave to start at hooker and Co‑captain Brodie Retallick will start at lock.

The Highlanders will take on the Waratahs at 7.35 tonight while the Rebels will face the Chiefs at 9.45 tonight.

The Jaguares will host the Sunwolves at 10.10am tomorrow, the Hurricanes will take on the Blues at 7.35pm tomorrow while the Brumbies will face the Reds at 9.45pm tomorrow.

The Stormers will host the Sharks at 1.05am Sunday while the Bulls will take on the Lions at 3.15am Sunday.

Gallagher Chiefs:

1. Atu Moli (36)

2. Nathan Harris (56)

3. Angus Ta’avao (30)

4. Brodie Retallick (105)

5. Tyler Ardron (24)

6. Lachlan Boshier (42)

7. Sam Cane (109) (c)

8. Pita Gus Sowakula (13)

9. Brad Weber (70)

10. Jack Debreczeni (4)

11. Sean Wainui (24)

12. Alex Nankivell (21)

13. Anton Lienert‑Brown (67)

14. Shaun Stevenson (42)

15. Solomon Alaimalo (36)

Reserves:

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (24)

17. Aidan Ross (23)

18. Nepo Laulala (30)

19. Jesse Parete (22)

20. Mitchell Jacobson (2)

21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (30)

22. Marty McKenzie (29)

23. Tumua Manu (14)

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