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Lowe, Ngatai back to bolster Chiefs

There are just two changes to the XV  that secured a 24-22 win over the Sharks in New Plymouth last Friday, with dynamic wing James Lowe and influential centre Charlie Ngatai returning from injury to start against the Highlanders. 

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There are further changes in the reserves with Michael Allardice and Maama Vaipulu recovering from injury to re-join the 23. Counties Manukau utility back Sam Vaka is poised to make his Investec Super Rugby debut off the bench. The agile 23-year-old adds an exciting edge to the reserves having previously played for the All Blacks Sevens team.

"We've been working hard this week to prepare for a massive challenge on Saturday night," said Rennie.

"The Highlanders are very similar to us, they've got a group of guys who work hard for each other. With game-breakers across the park, they are the type of team that will sting you if you kick poorly or turn the ball over. It'll be a hell of a spectacle with two very positive kiwi teams on display."

Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden (co-captain), 9 Brad Weber, 8 Michael Leitch, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Taleni Seu, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Hiroshi Yamashita, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Mitchell Graham.

Replacements: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Siate Tokolahi, 18 Kane Hames, 19 Michael Allardice, 20 Maama Vaipulu, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Sam Vaka. 

Date: Saturday, May 7

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Angus Garner

Assistant referees: Chris Pollock, Angus Mabey

TMO: Shane McDermott

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