Chiefs-Blues clashes have always had that local derby feel about them.
Lock Kevin O'Neill and midfield back Callum Bruce will make their debuts for the Chiefs on Saturday night in the opening round clash with the Blues in Auckland.
Both have previous Super rugby experience, O'Neill with the Crusaders and Bruce with the Highlanders.
Coach Ian Foster today named
a pacy backline, with Sitiveni Sivivatu and Sosene Anesi on the wings, and Mils Muliaina at fullback.
"It was probably the hardest team to pick in terms of having nearly everyone available," Foster said.
"In the end we had to pick a team that is best suited to take on the Blues."
At halfback Jamie Nutbrown gets the nod ahead of the live wire Brendon Leonard, who suffered an ankle injury during training on Tuesday.
Leonard is bracketed with David Bason in the reserves.
Foster said a decision on whether Leonard would be take his place on the bench would be made late on game day.
He said Nutbrown had shown good form and confidence in the number 9 jersey in the team's pre-season games.
Lock Toby Lynn, with an ankle injury, was the only player not considered for selection.
Chiefs:
Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Jamie Nutbrown, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Jono Gibbes (captain), Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Simms Davison.
Reserves:
Aled de Malmanche, Ben May, Kristian Ormsby, Hayden Hopgood, Brendon Leonard/David Bason, Dwayne Sweeney, Lelia Masaga.
- NZPA
