The Chiefs have announced their team to play the Crusaders in the first New Zealand round of the Super Rugby competition.

The match will be the first game on New Zealand soil for Mils Muliaina since the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

It will also be the first match in Chiefs colours for prop Jamie Mackintosh and centre Robbie Fruean.

Asaeli Tikoirotuma will also start for the defending champion.

Returning from Japan, Kane Thompson has been named to start at No8.

Other big names in the Chiefs lineup include Tim Nanai-Williams, Aaron Cruden, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick.

Meanwhile, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made a number of surprising selections for the Super Rugby opener against the Chiefs.

Nafi Tuitavake has been rewarded with the No11 jersey and Johnny McNicholl, who scored a hat-trick in last weekend’s preseason game against the Hurricanes, starts on the right wing.

Richie McCaw will also start for the Crusaders.

Israel Dagg, Ryan Crotty, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks and Corey Flynn are other big names in the Crusaders lineup.

The Crusaders and the Chiefs match starts at 6.35pm this Friday.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo
Source: stuff.co