Rugby: Chiefs name unchanged side for Crusaders clash, Sam Cane returns to bench

Chiefs' Sam Cane in action. Photo / Photosport

Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has named an unchanged side from the team that took down the Waratahs for the derby against the Crusaders on Saturday.

The good news for Chiefs and All Blacks fans is the fitness of openside flanker Sam Cane, who returns to the bench after recovering from an abdominal injury he picked up early in the month.

Cooper said he was pleased with his team's performance last week and welcomed the return of Cane to the number 20 jersey.

"We've picked a very similar team to the one that performed well against the Waratahs.

"The bench will bring a lot of excitement and spark - we're really pleased with the quality we have available - it's a big boost having Sam back."

Cooper was thrilled with the attacking intent shown in the Chiefs' thrilling 39-27 win over the Waratahs, but emphasised the need for discipline against the Crusaders on Saturday.

"[The Crusaders] are really strong in the set piece so it'll be a big contest at the scrums and lineouts.

"Discipline is the key going into this game, but we're excited to be on our home ground, which is an advantage.

"The Waratahs game has given us a lot of confidence to play the attacking game we want to play against the Crusaders. It's about knowing your role and having that confidence."

Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be without All Blacks Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty who have been ruled out for the derby with concussion symptoms.

Chiefs team to play the Crusaders at Waikato Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm:

Starters: 1 Karl Tu'inukuafe, 2 Nathan Harris, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 Michael Allardice, 6 Luke Jacobson, 7 Mitchell Karpik, 8 Liam Messam, 9 Brad Weber, 10 Damian McKenzie, 11 Sean Wainui, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 14 Toni Pulu, 15 Solomon Alaimalo.

Reserves: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Sam Prattley, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Shaun Stevenson.