Nanai-Williams takes centre stage
Tim Nanai-Williams makes his return to the Chiefs side at centre for their derby match against the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.
Nanai-Williams has had a stellar season for the Chiefs this year but is has been hampered by injuries and he will hope that he can stay fit heading into the play-offs.
Coach, Dave Rennie, has named several players in his side who are returning from injury. There is only one change in the forwards with Ben Afeaki starting at prop and Ben Tameifuna moving to the bench. Nanai-Williams comes in at centre and Lelia Masaga starts on the wing. Andrew Horrell makes his come back from the reserves and is joined by Charlie Ngatai.
The New Zealand derby is the official farewell match of Chiefs’ players co-captain Craig Clarke, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Brendon Leonard and Toby Smith
Dave Rennie said: "The Hurricanes had a pretty good win against the Crusaders last week and will be buoyed by that. Mathematically they are still in the competition and they have everything to play for.
"It will be pretty physical and as the weather is expected to play its part, you will see two positive sides on the field having a real arm wrestle," Rennie added.
Chiefs: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Matt Vant Leven, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (captain), 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Charlie Ngatai.
Date: Friday, 28 June
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
