Former Crusaders and Western Force winger Manasa Mataele is set to make his debut for the Chiefs during the Culture Round this weekend. He will step in for rookie Leroy Carter, who has been rested, and will take his place on the wing alongside fellow Fijian Emoni Narawa.
Currently, the Chiefs are leading the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific table, showcasing a strong start to their campaign. Head coach Clayton McMillan has expressed confidence in Mataele’s skills, highlighting his hard work during the pre-season and suggesting that this game offers an excellent opportunity for him to shine in front of the home crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Mataele’s path in Super Rugby has been quite remarkable. He began his career with the Western Force before joining the Crusaders in 2016, where he played until 2021. After signing with the Chiefs in 2025, he is poised to display his talent in a high-stakes environment. Notably, he scored a try in his Super Rugby debut against the Blues back in March 2017 and has also represented Fiji internationally.
As the Chiefs prepare to face the Brumbies tomorrow at 3:35 PM, the match is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to build on their successful seasons. Additionally, rookie Judah Saumaisue is expected to be on the Chiefs’ bench, while Brumbies player Rob Valetini continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The excitement surrounding Mataele’s debut, along with the return of players like Naitoa Ah Kuoi, reflects the vibrant spirit of the team and their aspirations for the season. This game not only features the emergence of fresh talent like Mataele but also showcases the Chiefs’ determination to sustain their winning streak, with fans eagerly supporting their team in this pivotal matchup.
Leave a comment