22 May 2013

Chiefs lose Afeaki for Crusaders game

7:07 pm on 22 May 2013

The Chiefs can field a largely settled side for a change in this Friday's top of the local table Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Hamilton.

There are just two changes to the starting side from the Chiefs outfit that beat the Hurricanes in Wellingotn, with All Blacks prop Ben Afeaki out with a minor calf strain suffered in the All Blacks wider training group camp in Mt Maunganui.

Afeaki's replaced by Ben Tameifuna, while wing Patrick Osbourne gets his chance to start against his old team the Crusaders.

Tanerau Latimer has again won the battle to wear the openside flanker's jersey from the All Blacks incumbent Sam Cane.

Bay of Plenty midfielder Kenny Lynn has been brought into the squad as midfield cover.

For the Crusaders, Israel Dagg returns to fullback among five changes.

Tom Taylor moves into the No.12 jersey and Ryan Crotty to centre.

Robbie Fruean and winger Telusa Veianu shift into the reserves, while hooker Codie Taylor makes the starting XV, with Corey Flynn out with a hamstring injury.