Taumalolo to rumble the Chiefs forward

Taumalolo has been one of the stars of the competition for his play all over the park, but it's his try-scoring that has surprised everyone, with the big man having scored eight tries so far this season.

 

Samoan hooker Mahonri Schwalger joins Taumalolo in the front row, replacing Hika Elliot, who sits on the bench.

 

There are two more injury enforced changes to the forwards, with Tanerau Latimer missing out with a knee injury, while Craig Clarke has a minor neck injury. Sam Cane and Michael Fitzgerald take their places in the starting line-up, while co-captain Liam Messam will lead the side on his own in Clarke's absence.

 

There is only one change to the backs, where Maritino Nemani swaps places in the No 14 jersey with Lelia Masaga who moves to the reserves.

 

Lock Romana Graham gets his first call up for the season on the bench, and is joined by loose forward Scott Waldrom on the pine.

 

"The Blues are getting players back and are on the improve," said Chiefs coach Dave Rennie.  "Games where the Chiefs play the Blues always have test match intensity and that's what we're preparing for."

 

Chiefs: 15 Andrew Horrell, 14 Maritino Nemani, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam (Captain), 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Fitzgerald (captain), 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Arizona Taumalolo.

Replacement: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Romana Graham, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Lelia Masaga.

 

Date: Saturday, June 2

Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Nick Briant (New Zealand)

TMO: Ben Skeen