World Cup winner Donald returns for Chiefs
Fresh home from a whirlwind international tour to South Africa and Argentina where the team recorded two important victories against the Southern Kings and Jaguares, the New Zealand Conference leaders are eager to put on a winning performance and secure their first victory at home in 2016.
Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has made minimal changes to the team which started against the Jaguares last Saturday in Buenos Aires. In the forwards, Siate Tokolahi is promoted from the bench to start alongside Mitchell Graham and Hika Elliot. With Johan Bardoul sidelined with a broken thumb, Taleni Seu gets an opportunity to impress at lock. Seu teams up in the second row with Michael Allardice, who makes his fifth consecutive start for the Chiefs. Loose forwards Tom Sanders, Sam Cane and Michael Leitch combine for the second week in a row.
There are just two changes in the backs, with Brad Weber to start at halfback and Seta Tamanivalu to wear jersey No.13, 
replacing Anton Lienert-Brown who is unavailable for selection due to a minor knee injury. flyhalf Aaron Cruden, wing James Lowe, centre Charlie Ngatai and fullback Damian McKenzie offer continuity and confidence, starting for the fifth consecutive week in a row. Sam McNicol has earned his second start following a strong debut performance for the Chiefs against the Jaguares, contributing to the 30-26 scoreline with a brilliant try.
There are wholesale changes in the reserves with only hooker Rhys Marshall backing up from last Saturday's game against the Jaguares. 28-year-old Bay of Plenty prop Siegfried Fisi'ihoi comes onto the bench to replace Pauliasi Manu who sustained a season-ending achilles injury at training on Wednesday. Debutant Fisi'ihoi joins Marshall and Atu Moli as front row cover. James Tucker provides second row cover with Counties Manukau flank and debutant Sam Henwood rounding out the forward reserves.
Nippy Manawatu halfback Kayne Hammington has had an exciting week, with the 25-year-old getting called into the Chiefs squad for the season and making the playing-23. Veteran utility Stephen Donald is in line to play his 86th game for the Chiefs, five seasons after he last appeared for the side. 27-year-old Counties Manukau back Toni Pulu has battled his way back from an ankle injury and will make his debut for the Chiefs should he take the field.
"The past couple of days has been a lot about recovery and clarity," said Rennie. "We have a big training day today in preparation for a side we've always battled against and who'll be looking to bounce back from last week's final 20 minutes. While unbeaten on the road, we're keen to front at home for our family, friends and supporters, and we've brought in fresh legs to help with this."”
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sam McNicol, 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 Tom Sanders, 5 Taleni Seu, 4 Michael Allardice, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Mitchell Graham.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, 19 James Tucker, 20 Sam Henwood, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Stephen Donald, 23 Toni Pulu.
Date: Saturday, March 26
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (14.35 AWST; 06.35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, Brett Johnson
TMO: Glenn Newman
