Nanai-Williams returns for Chiefs against Hurricanes

The Chiefs have named their Super Rugby team to face the Hurricanes at Waikato Stadium on Friday with several players returing from injury.

The New Zealand derby is the official farewell match of Chiefs’ players co-captain Craig Clarke, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Brendon Leonard and Toby Smith as it is the Chiefs final home game of the regular season.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has been fortunate enough to be able to name several players in his side who are returning from injury after the June break.

Tim Nanai-Williams comes in at centre and Lelia Masaga starts on the wing. Andrew Horrell makes his come back from the reserves and is joined by Charlie Ngatai.

There is only one change in the forwards with Ben Afeaki starting at prop and Ben Tameifuna moving to the bench.

Dave Rennie said, “The Hurricanes had a pretty good win against the Crusaders last week and will be buoyed by that. Mathematically they are still in the competition and they have everything to play for.

“It will be pretty physical and as the weather is expected to play its part, you will see two positive sides on the field having a real arm wrestle.”

Chiefs

1.Pauliasi Manu , 2.Hika Elliot , 3.Ben Afeaki , 4.Craig Clarke (c) , 5.Brodie Retallick , 6.Liam Messam , 7.Tanerau Latimer , 8.Matt Vant Leven , 9.Tawera Kerr-Barlow , 10.Aaron Cruden , 11.Asaeli Tikoirotuma , 12.Bundee Aki , 13.Tim Nanai-Williams , 14.Lelia Masaga , 15.Robbie Robinson

, 16.Mahonri Schwalger , 17.Ben Tameifuna , 18.Michael Fitzgerald , 19.Sam Cane , 20.Augustine Pulu , 21.Andrew Horrell , 22.Charlie Ngatai

Fixtures AEST: