Chiefs v Bulls: Teams

The Chiefs have turned to rookie Tim Nanai-Williams to replace the injured Mils Muliaina against the Bulls on Friday.

The 20-year-old is promoted from the bench for the clash against the defending champions after Muliaina was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken thumb.

Liam Messam has been handed the captaincy in Muliaina's absence, while experienced openside flanker Tanerau Latimer returns to the starting XV.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said: "Despite our on-going injury issues we have managed to make minimal changes from last week's line-up. We're keen to keep as many combinations together as possible."

"While last week's tough win over the Highlanders wasn't perfect, it did have many positives, particularly around our attack." he said.

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"We need to keep building on our skills and execution in this area."

The Bulls have been forced into two changes for the trip to Hamilton, with Jaco Pretorius and Derick Küun ruled out through injury.

Küun has injured his ankle so is replaced by Heini Adams, while Pretorius has damaged his eye socket, meaning Stephan Dippenaar comes into the starting XV.

The match will also see Pierre Spies and Gurthrö Steenkamp both make their 50th Super Rugby appearances.

And head coach Frans Ludeke hailed their achievements, saying: "It remains something special for a player and listening to them, they are proud to achieve this in this team environment and for this team."

Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Stephen Donald, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Colin Bourke 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Callum Bruce, 22 Jackson Willison.

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Stephan Dippenaar, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Francois Hougaard, 10 Mornè Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Bees Roux, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Pedrie Wannenburg, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 22 Jaco van der Westhuyzen.