Chiefs: Brodie out; Messam doubtful
The high-flying Chiefs will be without World Player of the Year Brodie Retallick, who is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks with a grade 3 AC joint injury while flank Liam Messam is doubtful as he awaits a concussion clearance.
Michael Fitzgerald will start in place of Retallick, while Johan Bardoul will start in the loose forwards. Pending the outcome clearance, Messam is bracketed with Maama Vaipulu at No.8.
Super Rugby centurion Hosea Gear comes back into the side on the right wing.
Michael Allardice and Japan captain Michael Leitch will get the chance to make their Super Rugby debuts off the bench while Andrew Horrell could also get his first match of the season.
In other Chiefs injury news, Mitch Crosswell has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for Tevita Koloamatangi who requires surgery on an ankle injury he picked up against the Brumbies.
The Waikato-side will be hosting the Highlanders and coach Dave Rennie is wary of their "smart coaching group."
"We appreciated the fantastic support we had from our home crowd last weekend. It was a big game and the boys recovered well, so we are really happy with the squad we are able to put on the park.
"The Highlanders have a smart coaching group and we know they will come with a plan to challenge us all over the field," he said.
Chiefs: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Liam Messam (captain)/Maama Vaipulu, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Johan Bardoul, 5 Michael Fitzgerald, 4 Matt Symons, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Siate Tokolahi, 18 Mitchell Graham, 19 Michael Allardice, 20 Michael Leitch/Maama Vaipulu, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Andrew Horrell.
Date: Friday, March 6
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)
