Rugby: Chiefs remain unchanged for final

Dave Rennie has named an unchanged Chiefs team to play the Brumbies in Saturday's Super Rugby final in Hamilton. Photo / Getty Images.

Dave Rennie has named an unchanged Chiefs team to play the Brumbies in Saturday's Super Rugby final in Hamilton, although wing Lelia Masaga has been bracketed with Robbie Robinson due to injury.

Masaga has been hampered by an ankle problem suffered during the 20-19 semifinal win over the Crusaders last weekend but Rennie is confident he will play.

Rennie has kept faith with the new midfield of Andrew Horrell and Charlie Ngatai, with Ben Tameifuna holding on to the tighthead prop position ahead of new All Black Ben Afeaki.

"There has been an enormous amount of hard work to get us into this position and we are excited to be playing in front of the people who mean the most to us,'' said Rennie of playing in front of a sold-out Waikato Stadium.

Rennie knows it will be an emotional occasion, with Masaga, Craig Clarke, Toby Smith, Richard Kahui and Brendon Leonard all heading offshore at the end of the season.

"They have all been a big part of the Chiefs family and we want to send these outstanding Chiefs men out on a high with back to back titles,'' he said.

Chiefs team to play Brumbies in the Super Rugby final at Waikato Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga/Robbie Robinson, Charlie Ngatai, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Reserves: Rhys marshall, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson/Patrick Osborne.