Cruden returns for 'dynamic' Chiefs
The New Zealand conference leaders, the Chiefs, will be hard-pressed to stay ahead of a very competitive and intimidating chasing pack in the Kiwi conference – with just three points separating the top four teams going into the last two rounds.
Not surprising to see Rennie fall back onto his most prolific players.
The reshuffle in the backline sees Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Cruden returning to the starting XV at No.9 and No.10 respectively.
Cruden also resumes his responsibility as co-captain.
The powerful combination of Anton Lienert-Brown and Seta Tamanivalu team up again in the midfield, while James Lowe and Toni Pulu retain their places on the wings.
Damian McKenzie will start at fullback for his 14th consecutive Super Rugby game this season.
In the forwards Kane Hames, Nathan Harris and Atu Moli form a powerful front row.
Dominic Bird and Taleni Seu partner up at lock.
All Black and Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane will lead the pack at No.8 and he is joined in the loose forwards by workhorse Tom Sanders and exciting openside Lachlan Boshier.
Last week's win over the Crusaders has put the Chiefs firmly in control of their own destiny, as they enter the final two rounds of the regular season – beginning this Friday with a challenging contest against the Reds in Brisbane.
In the final week of league action the Chiefs travel to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders.
Those not considered for selection include Nepo Laulala, Mitchell Karpik, Pauliasi Manu, Sam Henwood, Johan Bardoul, Glen Fisiiahi, Maama Vaipulu, Michael Allardice, Mitchell Graham, Michael Leitch, Chase Tiatia, Charlie Ngatai, Brodie Retallick and Augustine Pulu (the latter on All Blacks Sevens).
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden (co-captain), 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Sam Cane (co-captain), 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Tom Sanders, 5 Taleni Seu, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Kane Hames.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Mitchell Brown, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Andrew Horrell, 23 Sam McNicol.
Date: Friday, July 8
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT; 21.45 NZ time)
Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
