The Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made eight changes to his starting line-up to tackle the Crusaders in their local Super Rugby derby on Saturday night at Waikato Stadium.
The Chiefs celebrate a try in the win over the Brumbies Photo: Photosport
Pauliasi Manu, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane all return, Mike Fitzgerald moving to flanker with captain Liam Messam at No.8, replacing the injured Maama Vaipulu, while in the backs, the All Black Augustine Pulu starts at halfback.
James Lowe moves back onto the left wing due to the return from injury of Tom Marshall at fullback.
Sonny Bill Williams was a late scratching last week but has been declared fit to play and reclaims the second five-eighth jersey, with Charlie Ngatai moving to centre.
Prop Siate Tokolahi moves into the reserves and is joined by Taranaki prop Mitchell Graham, who could make his debut, while loose forward Johan Bardoul is the only other addition to the bench.
Chiefs:
1. Pauliasi Manu
2. Hika Elliot
3. Ben Tameifuna
4. Matt Symons
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Michael Fitzgerald
7. Sam Cane
8. Liam Messam (c)
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. James Lowe
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Charlie Ngatai
14. Bryce Heem
15. Tom Marshall
Reserves:
16. Quentin MacDonald*
17. Siate Tokolahi
18. Mitchell Graham**
19. Johan Bardoul
20. Sean Polwart
21. Brad Weber
22. Damian McKenzie
23. Seta Tamanivalu
* Chiefs debutants
** Super Rugby debut
