After a brilliant performance against the Hurricanes last weekend, the Chiefs have named All Black Wallace Sititi to start at number 8 against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in round 11 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
Sititi marked his return to rugby following a long layoff due to a hamstring injury with a match-winning try last week.
With injuries to three key loose forwards, Sititi will partner with Jahrome Brown and Simon Parker in the starting trio.
Michael Loft, who played one game for the Highlanders last year, is poised to make his Chiefs debut from the bench.
22-year-old Isaac Hutchinson will also debut at fullback after a lengthy spell out with a knee injury.
He will run out for the first time in front of a hometown crowd, having attended St Bede’s College and played nine games for Canterbury before moving to the Gallagher Chiefs.
Hutchinson tore his ACL, MCL, as well as both menisci, in what was described as a serious injury by the surgeon.
Jared Profitt, Brodie McAlister and George Dyer will make up the front row, while Josh Lord will partner with Captain Tupou Vaa’i in the locks.
Coach Jono Gibbes has retained the combination of Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie at halves, while Daniel Sinkinson and Leroy Carter will start on the wings.
Vice-captain Quinn Tupaea will team up with Kyle Brown in the centres, with Hutchinson at fullback.
The Chiefs will host the Fijian Drua at 4.30pm Sunday.'
In other matches, the Crusaders will face the Waratahs at 7.35pm tomorrow, the Hurricanes will meet the Brumbies at 5.05pm Saturday, the Blues play the Reds at 7.35pm, while the Highlanders will face Moana Pasifika at 2pm Sunday.
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