Super Rugby: Chiefs named to play Crusaders

Mils Muliaina

The Chiefs have named their team for Friday night's clash against the Crusaders at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

It's the first New Zealand round of the Investec Super Rugby competition.

The Chiefs put on an impressive showing in Rotorua last Friday in a warm-up match against the Blues, beating the visitors 43-19.

Veteran Mils Muliaina has been named at fullback for the Chiefs, his first game in New Zealand since the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

It's also the first Chiefs match for Jamie Mackintosh and Robbie Fruean.

It's a Super Rugby debut for flanker Tevita Kolomatangi, who starts in the No 7 jersey and Nathan Harris, James Lowe and Matt Symons/Liam Squire and Anton Lienert-Brown if confirmed to play, will get their chance to make their debuts off the bench.

The Chiefs will play their first home game at Waikato Stadium the following week on Saturday, March 1 against the Highlanders.

Chiefs to play Crusaders
Jamie Mackintosh
Rhys Marshall
Ben Tameifuna
Michael Fitzgerald
Brodie Retallick
Liam Messam
Tevita Koloamatangi
Kane Thompson
Augustine Pulu
Aaron Cruden ©
Asaeli Tikoirotuma
Charlie Ngatai
Robbie Fruean
Tim Nanai-Williams
Mils Muliaina
Nathan Harris
Pauliasi Manu
Ben Afeaki
Matt Symons/Liam Squire
Nick Crosswell
Tawera Kerr-Barlow
Andrew Horrell/Anton Lienert-Brown
James Lowe