Sam Cane set to make his first start for the Chiefs since returning from injury

All Black openside flanker Sam Cane is set to make his first start for the Chiefs since his return from injury and will feature in an unfamiliar position as he packs down at blindside flank.

Cane made his return from injury last weekend against the Blues having been sidelined since October last year after sustaining a neck fracture.

Chiefs Head coach Colin Cooper has reshuffled his forward pack after Mitchell Brown sustained a knee injury against the Blues and Angus Ta’avao is on All Blacks leave.

Nepo Laulala will start at tighthead, with Sosefo Kautai joining the bench as cover in jersey number 18. Tyler Ardron combines with Jesse Parete in a formidable locking duo. Sam Cane will start at six and Lachlan Boshier at seven, moving Mitchell Karpik to the bench in jersey number 20. Pita Gus Sowakula will complete the forward pack starting at number eight.

The only change to the exciting Chiefs backline sees Alex Nankivell starting at second five eight in lieu of Anton Lienert-Brown who earns a week off with All Blacks leave.

On the reserves bench, Samisoni Taukei'aho moves onto the bench in place of Liam Polwart who has been ruled out with a concussion. Counties Manukau lock Daymon Leasuasu is set to make his Investec Super Rugby debut off the bench in jersey number 19. Utility back Jack Debreczeni returns to the fold alongside Sean Wainui named on the bench in jersey 22 and 23 respectively. Loosehead prop Aidan Ross and halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi retain their positions in the reserves. 

Chiefs:
1. Atu Moli (34)
2. Nathan Harris (55)
3. Nepo Laulala (28)
4. Jesse Parete (20)
5. Tyler Ardron (22)
6. Sam Cane (107) (c)
7. Lachlan Boshier (40)
8. Pita Gus Sowakula (11)
9. Brad Weber (68)
10. Marty McKenzie (27)
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo (10)
12. Alex Nankivell (19)
13. Tumua Manu (12)
14. Shaun Stevenson (40)
15. Solomon Alaimalo (34)

Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Aidan Ross (21)
18. Sosefo Kautai (10)
19. Daymon Leasuasu**
20. Mitchell Karpik (19)
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (28)
22. Jack Debreczeni (3)
23. Sean Wainui (23)