Williams combo in Chiefs midfield

 

Cousins Tim Nanai-Williams and Sonny Bill Williams will pair up in the midfield with Charlie Ngatai out due to concussion.  Damian McKenzie starts at fullback with Tom Marshall ruled out with a knee injury.

 

Brad Weber starts at scrumhalf for the injured Augustine Pulu and Andrew Horrell gets the nod at flyhalf while Marty McKenzies moves to the bench.

 

In what will be the fourth year in a row the Chiefs have made the play-offs it will also be a special occasion for hooker Hika Elliot.

 

Newly re-signed Elliot and flank Sam Cane will return to the team, having been rested last week. The match will be the Elliot's 100th Super Rugby game. 

 

Michael Fitzgerald moves onto the blindside flank while captain Liam Messam takes over the No.8 duties.   

 

24 year-old Kayne Hammington gets the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs off the bench.  He is joined by new reserves Michael Leitch, McKenzie and Seta Tamanivalu.

 

Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 James Lowe, 10 Andrew Horrell, 9 Brad Weber, 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 Jamie Mackintosh, 19 Mitchell Crosswell, 20 Mitchell Crosswell, 21 Kane Hammington, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Seta Tamanivalu.

 

Date: Saturday, June 20

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

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

TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)