Donald skippers depleted Chiefs

One year on from his heroic performance against Wales, Chiefs veteran Stephen Donald will lead the team against the British & Irish Lions.

30,000 fans will descend on FMG Stadium on Tuesday evening to witness history being made when the Chiefs play the Lions for the first time.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie has named a hard-working XV. With a number of regular starters unavailable due to international commitments, the match presents a thrilling opportunity for the squad’s young and ambitious players to impress.

Two such players are Counties Manukau back Luteru Laulala and Chase Tiatia from Bay of Plenty, who are in line to make their debuts for the Chiefs off the bench.

Tom Sanders, Lachlan Boshier and Mitchell Brown form a strong back-row while Johnny Faauli and Tim Nanai-Williams link up in midfield.

Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Johnny Faauli, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Michael Allardice, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Liam Polwart, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Atu Moli, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Luteru Laulala, 23 Chase Tiatia

Date: Tuesday, June 20
Venue: FMG Stadium, Waikato
Kick-off: 19:35 local (07:35 GMT)