Backline shake-up for Chiefs
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made five changes to his backline for the all-New Zealand Super Rugby derby, against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
The most significant of these will see the return of Sonny Bill Williams and Charlie Ngatai, who have recovered from their respective injuries.
They combine in a potent midfield.
Tim Nanai-Williams comes onto the right wing, with Tom Marshall moving to fullback.
Brad Weber starts at scrumhalf.
Michael Fitzgerald, Augustine Pulu and Andrew Horrell all drop down to the replacement bench.
There is no place in the matchday 23 for 19-year-old sensation Damian McKenzie.
Rennie kept his forward pack intact.
Rookie Taranaki loosehead prop Mitchell Graham held his spot after a starting debut against the Blues two weeks ago, keeping the more seasoned Pauliasi Manu on the bench.
Chiefs: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Michael Leitch, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam (captain), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Matt Symons, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Mitchell Graham.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Siate Tokolahi, 18 Pauliasi Manu, 19 Mike Fitzgerald, 20 Liam Squire, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Andrew Horrell, 23 Bryce Heem.
Date: Friday, April 17
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Kane McBride (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
