Anton Lienert-Brown ruled out of Hurricanes clash

The Chiefs will be without All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown for this afternoon's Super Rugby Aotearoa clash with the Hurricanes in Hamilton, appearing to have suffered a concussion.

Lienert-Brown will be a notable absentee for the Chiefs against the Hurricanes, with both sides looking for their first victory of the revamped season.

Coach Warren Gatland says Lienert-Brown suffered a knock to the head in last weekend's loss to the Crusaders.

Lienert-Brown is replaced in midfield by Tumua Manu, while the impressive Quinn Tupaea moves from centre into second-five as a result.

Elsewhere, All Blacks halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi returns to the side for the first time since February, while flanker Mitchell Karpik is another ruled out with a concussion, replaced on the bench by Dylan Nel.

Lock Tupo Vaa'i is the final change, replacing Adam Thomson.

The Chiefs meet the Hurricanes at 3.35 this afternoon.

Last night, the Crusaders beat the Highlanders 40-20.

Chiefs: 15. Damian McKenzie, 14. Sean Wainui, 13. Tumua Manu, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10. Aaron Cruden, 9. Brad Weber, 8. Pita Gus Sowakula, 7. Sam Cane (c), 6. Lachlan Boshier, 5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4. Mitchell Brown, 3. Nepo Laulala, 2. Bradley Slater, 1. Aidan Ross.

Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Reuben O'Neill, 18. Ross