27 Jul 2013

Chiefs rejig backline for Crusaders clash

2:57 pm on 27 July 2013

The Chiefs have reshuffled their backline for Saturday night's Super rugby semi-final against the Crusaders in Hamilton.

Coach Dave Rennie has made four personnel changes to the side which beat the Blues two weeks ago.

Gareth Anscombe will start at fullback, pushing utility player, Andrew Horrell, to second five-eighth.

Charlie Ngatai starts at centre ahead of Bundee Aki while Asaeli Tikoirotuma, replaces Robbie Robinson on the wing.

Meanwhile the Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has decided against including All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in his playing fifteen.

He' stuck with the same starting lineup which beat the Queensland Reds last weekend, keeping McCaw on the bench.

Chiefs: Toby Smith, Hika Elliot, Ben Tameifuna, Craig Clarke (c), Brodie Retallick, Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Matt Vant Leven, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Andrew Horrell, Charlie Ngatai, Lelia Masaga, Gareth Anscombe.

Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson.