Chiefs change two for Hurricanes
Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has made two alterations to his starting line-up to take on the Hurricanes in their derby in Wellington on Friday.
In the only tweak to the forwards, who lined up in last weekend's victory over the Blues in Hamilton, Taleni Seu is back at number eight where he replaces Pita Gus Sowakula.
The only other change is in the backline where co-captain Charlie Ngatai resumes action at full-back, with Solomon Alaimalo moving to the wing in place of the injured Toni Pulu.
Alex Nankivell is on the bench again this week after a return from having his appendix removed.
Cooper says his team is in a good space for this upcoming challenge.
"There is real clarity, consistency of game plan and of selection, and competition going on in the group," he explained.
"When you combine all of that with winning, it gives you confidence.
"Looking at our first game, we didn’t respond well to the pressure that the Crusaders put on us, whereas last week in the Blues game, we didn’t panic, our leaders took control and we just dug out a win against a dangerous Blues team. That was a big change for us to see as coaches."
Cooper is aware of what the Hurricanes can bring.
"Strategically, we understand that they are very expansive, with a good kicking and running game," he said.
"We need to have the confidence to play our game when we have the ball. It’s important to do the work in the week and then when it comes to the game to be calm and controlled about it."
Chiefs: 15 Charlie Ngatai (cc), 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Faauli, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Damian McKenzie/Marty McKenzie, 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Sam Cane (cc), 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Tyler Ardron/Michael Allardice, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao-Matau, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Luke Jacobson, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Marty McKenzie/Tiaan Falcon, 23 Alex Nankivell
Date: Friday, April 13
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)
Referee: Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
Television match official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)