Chiefs shuffle pack for Reds clash
There are starts for the impressive Karl Tu’inukuafe and Liam Polwart, while Tyler Ardron and Pita Gus Sowakula return after putting in outstanding shifts in the home NZ derby against the Blues.
The backline is unchanged.
On the bench, Samisoni Taukei’aho gets his first opportunity of the season, and Sam Prattley – who has been brought in this week as an interim injury replacement – is in line to make his Gallagher Chiefs debut, bringing over 30 Super Rugby caps of experience to the side.
Brad Weber makes a return into the matchday 23, now recovered from his wrist injury.
Chiefs: 15 Charlie Ngatai (co-captain), 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Fa'auli, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 Liam Polwart, 1 Karl Tu'inukuafe.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Luke Jacobson, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Alex Nankivell.
Date: Saturday, April 21
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (21.45 NZ time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Nicholas Berry (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
