Chiefs shuffle forwards; SBW returns
Comments
0
Coach Dave Rennie has shuffled his forward pack, bringing Pauliasi Manu, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane into the starting line-up for their game against the Crusaders at the Waikato Stadium.
Mike Fitzgerald moves to flank with captain Liam Messam continuing at No,8, replacing the injured Maama Vaipulu.
All Black Augustine Pulu gets the nod at scrumhalf, Sonny Bill Williams reclaims the second inside centre jersey after being declared fit to play with Charlie Ngatai moving out to centre.
James Lowe moves back to left wing due to the return from injury of Tom Marshall at fullback.
Prop Siate Tokolahi moves into the reserves and is joined by Taranaki prop Mitchell Graham who has the potential to get his first taste of Super Rugby.
Loose forward Johan Bardoul is the only other addition to the pine.
One of the only three unbeaten teams after two rounds of Super Rugby, the Chiefs know how significant these games have become.
“Our matches against the Crusaders have become very competitive and combative encounters,” Chiefs coach Rennie said.
“Everyone loves to play in these fixtures as they are the closest thing you can get to a test match, so it should set up a great spectacle for the fans.”
Chiefs: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Liam Messam (captain), 7 Sam Cane, 6 Michael Fitzgerald, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Matt Symons, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Siate Tokolahi, 18 Mitchell Graham, 19 Johan Bardoul, 20 Sean Polwart, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Seta Tamanivalu.
Date: Saturday, February 28
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: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
ADVERTISEMENT
