Rugby: Cane and Latimer start for Chiefs

Liam Messam will captain the Chiefs from No8 this weekend which allows Sam Cane (pictured) and Tanerau Latimer, two openside flankers, to start. Photo / Getty Images.

The Chiefs will field a mobile loose forward trio to take on the dangerous Reds' attack at Waikato Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Liam Messam will captain the team from No8 which allows Sam Cane and Tanerau Latimer, two openside flankers, to start.

Reds halfback Will Genia and first-five Quade Cooper are likely to test the Chiefs' vaunted defence, especially around the fringes.

Prop Ben Tameifuna will make only his second start of the season, with Michael Fitzgerald retaining his position at lock as Craig Clarke edges closer to a return.

Tim Nanai-Williams returns from a groin injury to start on the wing rather than his customary midfield position which he has excelled in this season. No8 Fritz Lee moves to the reserves bench and he is joined by prop Michael Kainga who gets a chance to play his first Super Rugby match.

The Chiefs team to play the Reds at Waikato Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 4.35pm, is: Gareth Anscombe, Tim Nanai-Williams, Richard Kahui, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Liam Messam (c), Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer, Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Michael Kainga, Nick Crosswell, Fritz Lee, Brendon Leonard, Andrew Horrell, Patrick Osborne.

Reds: Jono Lance, Dom Shipperley, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Rod Davies, Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Eddie Quirk, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Greg Holmes. Reserves: Albert Anae, Ben Daley, Ed O'Donoghue, Jarrad Butler, Ben Lucas, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Aidan Toua.