The Chiefs welcome back their heavyweights for this Saturday's annual 'Kava Bowl' against the Highlanders in Fiji.
Fresh from All Blacks duty, Karl Tu’inukuafe reclaims the number one jersey, while Damian McKenzie slots back into the pivot role, with halves partner Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi starting off the bench.
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Sam Cane and Anton Lienert-Brown also both shift into the starting side against the southerners, who take their turn as the home side this year.
Lock Brodie Retallick is ahead of schedule with his return from a pectoral tear and is due back next week against the Brumbies.
Promising flanker Luke Jacobson earns another nod at blindside, after impressing against the Crusaders.
The former NZ U20 captain scored two tries and was prominent across the park, and coach Colin Cooper is eager to see more.
"[Jacobsen] has shown his growth at this level," said Cooper.
"He's very physical and wins most of the defensive stats. He can play number seven, number six and lock, showing his versatility well."
The teams last met in Hamilton in March, with the hosts coming out on top 27-22 in a tightly fought encounter.
Cooper expects no different this time in a fixture that has become synonymous with open, free-flowing rugby.
"The weather in Fiji is going to be great for two teams desperate to win. It's going to be an entertaining game - a typical New Zealand derby played in a place where they love rugby.
"We are ready to embrace the challenge."
Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Wainui, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (capt), Luke Jacobson, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Angus Ta'avao, Liam Polwart, Karl Tu'inukuafe.
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sam Prattley, Jeff Thwaites, Jesse Parete, Mitch Karpik, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marty McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson.
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