Undefeated Chiefs welcome back key All Blacks for Crusaders match

The undefeated Chiefs have been the form team of Super Rugby Pacific this season, but they face another tough test against title holders the Crusaders on Saturday.

Following their opening round 31-10 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch, the ladder-leading Chiefs haven’t looked back.

Led by Damian McKenzie and Shaun Stevenson, the Chiefs have overcome each and every test that has come their way – but it doesn’t get much tougher than the Crusaders.

McKenzie and Stevenson have both returned to their usual positions ahead of the round 10 clash, as the Chiefs look to record a regular season double over the title holders.

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has made nine changes to the run-on side, and has included a staggering eight All Blacks in the matchday 23.

Aidan Ros and George Dyer return to the starting side this week, with the props set to pack down alongside All Black Samisoni Taukei’aho in the front row.

Tupou Vaa’i returns to the second row, while All Blacks Sam Cane and Luke Jacobson are also set to play after missing the round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.

As for the backline, Test star Brad Weber is back at halfback this week, while Cortez Ratima has been relegated back to the bench.

Damian McKenzie shifts from fullback to flyhalf, while Shaun Stevenson will don the No. 15 jersey after impressing on the right wing last weekend.

Rameka Poihipi gets the nod at second five and will partner rising star Daniel Rona in the midfield.

Coach Clayton McMillan expects Saturday night’s clash to be “a banger” between two top teams.

“They embarrassed us last year with their urgency and accuracy after we had beaten them in Christchurch a few weeks earlier, so we know what’s coming out way,” McMillan said in a statement.

“There are areas that feed their game, particularly in big matches, and our challenge is to starve them of those opportunities whilst earning the right to play the expansive game we want to play.

“It should be a banger and we are hoping a massive crowd come along to support the lads.”

Chiefs team to take on Crusaders

1. Aidan Ross
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Sam Cane
8. Luke Jacobson
9. Brad Weber
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Rameka Poihipi
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson

Replacements:

16. Tyrone Thompson
17. Ollie Norris
18. John Ryan
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Pita Gus Sowakula
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Bryn Gatland
23. Lalomilo Lalomilo