Growth and motivation are two key factors for the Chiefs side that will take on the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium in Wellington this Saturday night in round 12 of the Super 14.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster said: "facing the Hurricanes is a tough away game – it is one they have a clear motivation for, and we will need to match that on Saturday night."
"With a couple of extra injuries this week we have kept faith in the lineup from last week to work on growing what was a very good first 50 minutes against the Cheetahs."
This week the Chiefs welcome back prop Sona Taumalolo from a shoulder injury into the front row, and up and coming prop Ben Afeaki takes a place on the bench.
Meanwhile winger Jason Hona will enjoy his first Chiefs start, running out in the number 11 jersey this weekend.
Hona, 23, has one Chiefs cap to his name enjoying some time off the bench in the Chiefs first round match against the Sharks in Durban.
"It is a great opportunity for some of our Wider Training Group squad such as Jason, Trent Renata and Phil Burleigh, who have prepared with us all campaign, to now get some time to perform.
Wider Training Group prop Toby Smith enjoyed good form over the last few weeks and this highlights the importance of this group for both now and also for next season."
With both Stephen Donald (calf strain) and Mike Delany (shoulder injury) ruled out, Foster has opted for Callum Bruce’s experience at number 10 on Saturday night.
Chiefs team :
1. Sona Taumalolo,2. Hika Elliot,3. Nathan White,4. Craig Clarke,5. Culum Retallick,6. Liam Messam (captain),7. Tanerau Latimer,8. Colin Bourke,9. Junior Poluleuligaga,10. Callum Bruce,11. Jason Hona,12. Jackson Willison,13. Richard Kahui,14. Dwayne Sweeney,15. Tim Nanai-Williams
Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche/Vern Kamo, 17.Ben Afeaki, 18. Kevin O’Neill, 19.Luke Braid 20. Brendon Leonard, 21. Trent Renata, 22. Phil Burleigh.
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