Chiefs make three changes for Blues

Editor

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to the starting lineup to take on the Blues at Eden Park on Friday.

There’s just one change to the forward pack with relentless number eight Liam Messam contributing 156 caps of experience to the starting lineup. 

The remaining two changes effect the backline, with Johnny Faauli returning to the playing 23 to start at inside centre. The potent midfielder reunites with Anton Lienert-Brown who moves to outside centre for Friday evening’s unmissable derby match.

Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Faauli, 11 James Lowe, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Kane Hames
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 18 Atu Moli, 19 Taleni Seu, 20 Lachlan Boshier, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Solomon Alaimalo 23 Shaun Stevenson 

Date: Friday, May 26
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Nick Briant, Angus Mabey
TMO: Glenn Newman