Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has made three changes to his starting line-up for their Super Rugby derby with the Highlanders in Hamilton on Friday.
The tight five is unchanged, with the only change in the pack being the vastly experienced Liam Messam coming in on the blindside flank where he replaces Lachlan Boshier, who drops down to the replacements bench.
In the backline, Brad Weber will start in the number nine jersey, in place of Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Solomon Alaimalo moves to full-back, where he takes over from Marty McKenzie, and Sean Wainui comes in on the wing.
On the bench, co-captain Charlie Ngatai returns from injury as back-line cover while Pita Gus Sowakula is in line to make his Super Rugby debut as the replacement lock.
Starting every game so far this season, Sam Cane runs out in front on his home crowd not just as captain, but for his 100th Super Rugby match.
“Sam has shown lots of hard work and sacrifice to earn his 100th game, which is an outstanding effort – it’s great to be involved with him on his 100th," said Cooper.
"He’s an outstanding leader of the group, and doesn't just talk it, but walks it big time on the field."
Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Faauli, 11 Sean Wainui, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Pita Gus Sowakula, 20 Lachlan Boshier, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Charlie Ngatai
Date: Friday, March 30
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:35 local (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), Brendan Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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