Tyler Ardron will start at n8 for the Chiefs to open the Super Rugby season. The Canadian will play in a side captained by 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year winner, Brodie Retallick.
Retallick will lead the Chiefs from the second-row where he is to be joined by Michael Allardice. Also in the starting line-up will be All Blacks including Nathan Harris, and Anton Lienert-Brown.
Named on the bench are additional All Blacks including Nepo Laulala, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, and RWC 2011 winner Stephen Donald.
The Chiefs will play at home at Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium against New Zealand rivals the Highlanders on Friday.
CHIEFS
15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Bailyn Sullivan, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Orbyn Leger, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Tyler Ardron, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Michael Allardice, 4 Brodie Retallick (capt.), 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Atu Moli
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Taleni Seu, 20 Jesse Parete, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Stephen Donald, 23 Ataata Moeakiola