Chiefs make two changes for Highlanders

The Chiefs have made two changes to their Super Rugby starting line-up to face the Highlanders, one of them forced by Test lock Brodie Retallick's injury.

All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick's shoulder injury has led to a rejigging of the Chiefs' pack for the Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Hamilton.

Retallick, the world player of the year, is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering the injury in the Chiefs' 40-16 thumping of the Crusaders last weekend.

His unavailability means Michael Fitzgerald, who started as blindside flanker against the Crusaders, will move to lock against the Highlanders on Friday night.

Super Rugby rookie Johan Bardoul comes in to take over the No.6 jersey.

Coach Dave Rennie has made one other personnel change, with winger Hosea Gear coming back in for Bryce Heem.

Skipper Liam Messam has been included at No.8, but is awaiting concussion clearance and has been bracketed with Maama Vaipulu.

Selected on the bench are lock Michael Allardice and Japan captain and loose forward Michael Leitch, who are both in line to make their Super Rugby debuts.

Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Hosea Gear, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Liam Messam (capt)/Maama Vaipulu, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul, Michael Fitzgerald, Matt Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Siate Tokolahi, Mitchell Graham, Michael Allardice, Michael Leitch/Vaipulu, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Andrew Horrell.


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Source: AAP


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