It’s this time boys, Chiefs fans tell their team

Saturday, 20 June 2026

Chiefs fans are showing their passion across the region ahead of the Super Rugby grand final on Saturday. From left to right, Isaako, Izaak and Lasi Matau.

Isaako Matau feels it in his bones that the Chiefs will win when they take the field in Wellington tonight.

He also sees it on his fence.

‘Up Da Chiefs’ stands out in large white letters on the palings in the backyard of the Nawton home he shares with wife Lasi and son Izaak, while more than a hundred team flags adorn the house.

The keen supporters rustled them up from the franchise to give neighbours no doubt about where their allegiances lie ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Hurricanes at a sold out Hnry Stadium.

Fans are hoping the Chiefs can avoid a fourth straight Super Rugby final defeat and win the team’s first title in 13 years.

The Mataus have been Chiefs fans because of the name's significance in Samoan culture.

That flavour will flow through to gameday with plans to watch the watch the final from home, with some panipopo (a Samoan sweet coconut bun), cinnamon rolls and beef kebab sticks.

Issako is feeling it “in my body” that the Chiefs will win, with a final score of 42-17.

The Mataus have turned their Nawton home into a sea of Chiefs colours ahead of Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final.

Another Chiefs fan who will be glued to the screen is Mike Fisher, who has been a supporter since since the franchise was formed in 1996.

He said he hasn’t missed a home game and the Chiefs have been a part of his life.

Mike Fisher with his Chiefs flag, cowbell and highlights of last week’s semi-final win playing in the background.

“It's a great social thing, great camaraderie as well.”

His wife Denise, daughter and son-in-law as well as workmates at Linda Jones Retirement Village are all well aware of his fandom.

Fisher has made some great mates, sitting in Row G of the Brian Perry Stand, near the Green Zone over the past 30 years.

He hopes the team goes all the way.

Mike Fisher with a custom jersey with his name on it. He believes the team can go all the way.

“It's going to be like an All Blacks trial, basically. Both teams will want it. This is our fourth year in a row. I just got a good feeling about it.”

Fisher said he and his son-in-law will be watching the grand final on the couch, with some craft beers.

His prediction: 31-28 to the Chiefs.

Any Chiefs fans planning a last-minute road trip to Wellington are out of luck, as the final is a sell-out.

Leroy Carter of the Chiefs runs for the try line. He’ll start on the wing for the final.

Hurricanes chief executive Tony Philp - a former Waikato and Chiefs prop - is encouraging Chiefs fans to bring their cow bells.

“My attitude is, bring it on… we want people to engage the way they normally engage,” he told The Post.

“What we bring is a voice and we’ll have predominantly more supporters for the Hurricanes. If there are cowbells there, we want our supporters drowning that out. Let’s go.”

Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes has made two changes from last week’s 49-12 semi-final over the Crusaders, with fullback Isaac Hutchinson (knee) and centre Lalakai Foketi (calf) ruled out of the decider.

Leroy Carter is back on the right wing and Liam Coombes-Fabling shifting back to the No 15 jersey

Kyle Brown comes in at centre for Foketi while Reon Paul will come off the bench to cover the outside backs.

Wallace Sititi, who suffered a sickening double head knock early in the qualifying finals victory over the Reds, remains on the unavailable list under concussion protocols.

MetService is predicting showers turning into rain in the capital for the decider, accompanied by strong northwesterlies.

Kick-off is at 7.05pm from Hnry Stadium.