Jono Gibbes Makes Two Rugby Changes for Chiefs Final
Jono Gibbes has made two changes to the Chiefs starting XV for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific final after Lalakai Foketi and Isaac Hutchinson were ruled out with injuries. The reshuffle comes with the Chiefs facing the Hurricanes this weekend and keeps the rest of the matchday 23 from last weekend’s semi-final win over the Crusaders.
Chiefs Final Lineup
Leroy Carter moves into the No.14 jersey for his first start in nearly two months, while Kyle Brown comes in at No.13. Carter returned from a hamstring injury off the bench last time out, and Reon Paul has been added to the Chiefs bench as the team adjusts around the two unavailable centres.
Liam Coombes-Fabling shifts to fullback, preserving the shape of a side that still includes seven All Blacks in the starting forward pack and four All Blacks in the starting backline. The changes are narrow, but they alter the Chiefs’ backline balance at the point where a one-off final leaves no margin for another adjustment.
Gibbes On The Hurricanes
Gibbes framed the task against a Hurricanes side that he said has been the pace setter throughout the season. "The Hurricanes have been the pace setters throughout the season, and it will be a terrific challenge playing them at their home, but it is one we are looking forward to."
He also pointed to the setting for the final, saying, "Playing in front of a full house is always stimulating, and we know there will be plenty of Gallagher Chiefs supporters in the crowd, ringing their cowbells loudly." That leaves the Chiefs with a settled squad around two enforced changes, and one winger back in the starting side after nearly two months without a start.
"You work hard to be given this opportunity, and it is satisfying to be in this position, but we also know there is one more game to win," Gibbes said ahead of the final.
Crusaders Win To Final
The Chiefs reached this point by beating the Crusaders in last weekend’s semi-final, but the win came with a cost when Foketi suffered a calf injury and Hutchinson hurt his knee. Those two setbacks are why the starting XV looks different now, and why Carter’s return to the run-on side matters more than a routine selection call.
