Loose forward Tevita Koloamatangi will make his debut for the Chiefs as they begin their Super rugby title defence against the Crusaders.
The 25-year-old will wear the No.7 jersey for the Chiefs on Friday after injuries to both Sam Cane and Tanerau Latimer.
Centre Robbie Fruean and prop Jamie Mackintosh will both play their first games for the Chiefs, while the reserves bench includes a number of players who will make their first Super Rugby appearance if they get on the pitch.
Hooker Nathan Harris and winger James Lowe have spots on the bench, while forwards Matt Symons and Liam Squire, both potential debutants, are bracketed for a bench spot.
The other potential debutant is Anton Lienert-Brown, who will sit on the bench if utility back Andrew Horrell isn’t fit enough.
The match also sees the return of former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina for his first match on New Zealand soil since the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“The boys have been training since November and we have been planning since August, so we are really looking forward to the competition starting properly,” coach Dave Rennie said.
“We have a lot of respect for the Crusaders and are excited by this match-up.”
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Well, looking at those teams my confidence has come back. So many injuries and the Chiefs can still field a very solid looking team. Looking forward to seeing what Koloamatangi can bring to mix. Stoked that Pulu has been given the start, that speaks volumes and shows his efforts haven't gone unnoticed. He was imo the better player for most of last season and he was outstanding for Counties. It's going to be a real battle for TKB to get the nod as often as he did last season. pulu is up there with the best we have and i think this season will show everyone just that.
atlas
Guest
Teams - note Zac Guildford misses the 23. Blackadder: "It's simply on on-field form. It really, simply comes down to that. Zac's been given some opportunities." Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Rey Lee-Lo, Ryan Crotty, Nafi Tuitavake, Tyler Bleyendaal, Andy Ellis, Luke Whitelock, Richie McCaw (c), George Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Tim Perry. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Rob Thompson. Chiefs: Mils Muliaina, Tim Nanai-Williams, Robbie Fruean, Charlie Ngatai, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Kane Thompson, Tevita Koloamatangi, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Rhys Marshall, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Pauliasi Manu, Ben Afeaki, Matt Symons/Liam Squire, Nick Crosswell, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Andrew Horrell/Anton Lienert-Brown, James Lowe.
atlas
Guest
Tevita Koloamatangi - some background . . . played a season 2013 for San Francisco's Golden Gate club (fully amateur) in Northern California Rugby Football Union's Division 1 between NZ's 2012-13 ITM seasons for Tasman where he's played 22 matches His aim (well it was last year) was to be noticed by Tongan selectors and play at RWC 2015: Auckland-born Koloamatangi has a much bigger goal in his sights - representing Tonga at the next Rugby World Cup. "That's what I'm striving for at the moment, so I'll just keep chugging away and keep training hard, and hopefully opportunities open and things happen for me." As always - good luck to him!