Reuben O’Neill is set to play his 50th Super Rugby game for the Gallagher Chiefs. – Kings

Reuben O’Neill will play his 50th game for Gallagher Chiefs on Saturday with right-back Daniel Sinkinson set to start on the bench.

Reuben O’Neill will play his 50th game for Gallagher Chiefs on Saturday with right-back Daniel Sinkinson set to start on the bench.

With Damian McKenzie out with a concussion and Eten Nanai-Seturo still with a sore leg, Sinkinson comes on the bench as the Gallagher Chiefs return to Hamilton after their mini tour of Australia.

Leroy Carter remains at center while Daniel Rona and Lalakai Foketi continue to recover from their respective back and arm injuries.

“Daniel is a great example of how our wide group has contributed to our environment this season so far,” said Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Jono Gibbes.

“He has been a consistent player for us in training and for the development of Waikato Taua University.”

O’Neill turned out for Gallagher Chiefs in 2020 and had a short spell with the Crusaders in 2023 but has been a permanent fixture in Hamilton.

“Playing my 50th game for Gallagher Chiefs is a huge honour,” said O’Neill. This group has helped me a lot. I can’t wait to go there on Saturday with the brothers.

Alongside O’Neill, Ollie Norris will start this year after returning from injury on the bench. It’s a stable pack that sees Kaylum Boshier start at No8 while Simon Parker looks set to make an impact off the bench. Vice-captain Tupou Vaa’i returns after missing the win against Army with a knee injury.

“It’s great to be home again and we’re looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd at FMG Waikato on Saturday,” said Gibbes.

The event is set to take place over the festive Easter weekend and attendees are treated to a live DJ, and a special Augmented Reality Easter Egg Drop. Fans will be able to see Easter Eggs falling from the sky, and if they’re lucky they’ll win exclusive Gallagher Chiefs merchandise, Easter prizes and more.

And to celebrate 30 years of Chiefs Rugby, the club is going back to 1996 and offering all Porter club seats for just $19.96.

Did you know?

● Gallagher Chiefs have won their last three Super Rugby games against New Zealand’s Waratahs, scoring 39 points or more in each game.

● The Gallagher Chiefs are on an eight-game winning streak at home against teams from Australia, and have scored 43 or more points in three of the last six such games.

● Gallagher Chiefs have won nine of their last 11 matches against Australian teams.

● Gallagher Chiefs have conceded just 18.5 tackles per game this season, the fewest of any team in Super Rugby Pacific.

● Gallagher Chiefs assistant captain Quinn Tupaea continues to lead the polls for Super Rugby Player of the Year alongside Western Force’s Ben Donaldson.

Gallagher Chiefs v waratahs

7.05pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, Saturday 4 April.