Hurricanes v Chiefs: Teams

While the Chiefs are struggling for numbers, the Hurricanes will be at full strength for Saturday's Super 14 derby clash at Westpac Stadium.

'Canes coach Colin Cooper will once again stick with Aaron Cruden at fly-half following his strong showing against the Highlanders, while Cory Jane has shrugged an injury concern to make the line-up.

Andrew Hore is also fit enough to captain the side from hooker despite struggling with a cut leg that almost ruled him out of the Dunedin fixture.

Meanwhile, there is a familiar look to the side with Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu in midfield while Victor Vito, Karl Lowe and Rodney So'oialo form the back-row in front of Bryn Evans and the in-form Michael Paterson.

A raft of injuries to key players have depleted the Chiefs' options ahead of Saturday's derby clash.

Opportunity

Thursday's loss of Sitiveni Sivivatu to impending shoulder surgery means that coach Ian Foster will be without his All Black wing, Mils Muliaina, Lelia Masaga, Stephen Donald, Mike Delany and Sione Lauaki for the away trip.

"Facing the Hurricanes is a tough away game - it is one they have a clear motivation for, and we will need to match that on Saturday night," he said.

"With a couple of extra injuries this week we have kept faith in the line-up from last week to work on growing what was a very good first 50 minutes against the Cheetahs."

This week the Chiefs do welcome back prop Sona Taumalolo from a shoulder injury into the front-row, and up-and-coming prop Ben Afeaki takes a place on the bench. Meanwhile winger Jason Hona will enjoy his first Chiefs start, running out in the number eleven jersey this weekend.

Hona, 23, has one Chiefs cap to his name enjoying some time off the bench in the Chiefs first round match against the Sharks in Durban.

"It is a great opportunity for some of our Wider Training Group squad such as Jason, Trent Renata and Phil Burleigh, who have prepared with us all campaign, to now get some time to perform," Foster continued.

"Wider Training Group prop Toby Smith enjoyed good form over the last few weeks and this highlights the importance of this group for both now and also for next season."

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tyson Keats, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Paterson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (capt), 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Willie Ripia, 22 Jason Kawau.

Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Jackson Willison, 11 Jason Hona, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam (capt), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche/Vern Kamo, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Kevin O'Neill, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Trent Renata, 22 Phil Burleigh.