Damien McKenzie will make his first start of the season against the Crusaders. Photo / Photosport
The Chiefs will field a stronger squad for their clash against the Crusaders, despite succumbing to a few injuries during the week.
Warren Gatland's squad effectively switches the approach from last week where five All Blacks came off the bench. This week, Atu Moli comes in to start at tight
head prop and joins Aiden Ross who played the full 80-minutes at Eden Park in an otherwise unchanged forward pack which will again have Sam Cane start in the No.8 jersey.
In the backs, Damian McKenzie has proved his fitness just in time for selection and secures a start at fullback while Aaron Cruden gets to play more of his general role with a start at first five.
All Black midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown will start, pairing with Quinn Tupaea who keeps his starting spot after debuting last week. Alex Nankivell is swapped onto the bench, where he joins Kaleb Trask and Brad Weber to complete what will be a 5/3 split between forwards and backs.
Two names of note are missing, both Nepo Laulala and Angus Ta'avao injured, Laulala of particular concern after scans revealed a medial ligament injury which will sideline the 28-year old for six weeks.
