Chiefs v Crusaders: Teams

At Waikato Stadium, Friday July 27, kick-off 08.35 BST

Last updated: 27th July 2012  

Chiefs v Crusaders: Teams

Sona Taumalolo: Bolsters Chiefs pack

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Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made four changes to his team for Friday's Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders.

Prop Sona Taumalolo and hooker Mahonri Schwagler return to the front row, while Ben Afeaki has been named on the bench after an absence of six weeks.

Tanerau Latimer retains his place at openside meaning a bench spot for All Black tearaway Sam Cane.

The backline is the same one that faced the Crusaders in Round 17 with Andrew Horrell starting in the midfield outside Sonny Bill Williams, while Asaeli Tikoirotuma and Tim Nanai-Williams take their place on the wings with Robbie Robinson reverting to full-back.

All Blacks prop Ben Franks will replace his brother Owen in the Crusaders' starting line-up.

Having started in last week's play-off win over the Bulls, Owen makes way for his sibling in the only change to the Crusaders' 22.

As reported earlier this week, Kieran Read is unavailable because of a rib injury, which means Richie McCaw will continue to play at eight in his team-mate's absence while Matt Todd will retain the number seven jersey.

Chiefs: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Andrew Horrell, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (c), 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Jackson Willison, 22 Lelia Masaga.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Richie McCaw (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Sean Maitland.

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