Chiefs get key player back for daunting task

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland has named his side to challenge the Crusaders in Christchurch on Sunday.

Gatland has made several changes to the Chiefs forward pack with the welcomed return of captain Sam Cane and lock Mitchell Brown.

Taranaki hooker Bradley Slater is given the nod to start, with Samisoni Taukei’aho shifting to the bench as cover. Brown returns from his neck injury to start, combining with Naitoa Ah Kuoi in jerseys No.4 and five respectively. Turnover master Lachlan Boshier shifts back to the blindside, with Cane returning on the openside in the final change to the Chiefs forward pack.

Scrumhalf Brad Weber will run out for his 80th game in the Chiefs jersey and will be joined by a near unchanged backline. In the only change to the Chiefs backline that faced the Blues, utility back Solomon Alaimalo will start on the right wing in jersey No.14.

In the reserves, Bay of Plenty’s Mitchell Karpik returns from his back strain to cover the loose forwards. Powerful midfielder Tumua Manu also returns to the fold in jersey No.23.

Gatland said the team need to deliver an improved performance.

"We were disappointed with our performance against the Blues on Saturday and we know we are better than that. We are under no illusion that this weekend will be another challenging game, the Crusaders are a sharp team and can quickly punish teams for their mistakes. We need to be alert when we are defending and sharp on attack to allow us to capitalise on any opportunities presented to us."

Gatland welcomed the return of several key forwards.

"It is great to have the likes of Sam Cane, Mitchell Brown and Mitchell Karpik returning from injury. We know their experience and skillset will be invaluable," said Gatland.

Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Solomon Alaimalo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Sean Wainui, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4 Mitchell Brown, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Aidan Ross.

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17 Reuben O'Neill, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Adam Thompson, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Lisati Milo-Harris, 22 Kaleb Trask, 23 Tumua Manu.

Date: Sunday, June 28

Venue: Addington Showgrounds, Christchurch

Kick-off: 15.35 (03.35 GMT)

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

Assistant referees: James Doleman, Ben O’Keeffe

TMO: Mike Fraser