Damian McKenzie returns for in-form Chiefs
Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has made two changes to his starting XV that will take to the field for Friday’s Super Rugby derby with the Hurricanes.
Versatile forward Mitchell Brown will be the only alterations to the powerful pack. Brown enters the line-up in jersey number five for Canadian international star Tyler Ardron, who was ruled out due to an infection.
In the backs, the Chiefs will be bolstered once again with All Black full-back Damian McKenzie named in the familiar 15 jersey. Waikato utility back Solomon Alaimalo shifts to the left wing for the injured Sean Wainui.
All Black Atu Moli returns to the 23 named as cover alongside Taranaki hooker Bradley Slater, in the only changes in the replacements.
Gatland revealed the team want to continue to build on their performance in Wollongong, where they hammered the Waratahs 51-14.
“Last week we started well and that provided us with a solid platform for the second half. Again, this week we will be challenged to do the same,” he said.
“Any New Zealand derby is going to be a tough battle, the Hurricanes will be hurting from their loss last weekend and will be hungry to rectify that.
“We need to remain focused on being disciplined, utilise our opportunities and deliver a performance that our members and supporters can be proud of.”
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Michael Allardice, 3 Ross Geldenhuys, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Lisati Milo-Harris, 22 Kaleb Trask, 23 Alex Nankivell
Date: Friday, March 13
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:05 local (18:05 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Peterson (New Zealand)