Rugby: Rennie backs Sir Graham

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie believes Sir Graham Henry made some good points in his recent blast at the match officials, including the one about Wyatt Crockett's scrummaging technique.

Rennie was last night at pains to point out that he believed much of what Henry said was tongue in cheek, including the statement that Crusaders prop Crockett "got away with murder" in his team's 23-3 victory against Henry's Blues in Christchurch, but it was an issue nonetheless.

The Chiefs coach wasn't moved to make a similar statement about the loosehead prop, but did say: "Everyone knows what Wyatt tries to do at scrum time."

Rennie added: "He angles in. He's a strong lad and he does it well, disrupting the opposition's scrums."

However, the Chiefs' pack is unlikely to disintegrate at Waikato Stadiumtomorrow night. A Ben Afeaki calf strain has opened the door for Ben Tameifuna to make his considerable presence felt for the Chiefs. Officially listed at 137kg but perhaps heavier, Tameifuna is incredibly tough to shift, and Rennie is confident he will give a good account of himself.

The clash between Crockett, included in Steve Hansen's recent All Blacks camp, and Tameifuna, will be fascinating.

So too will be the way referee Steve Walsh officiates.

Walsh, a late replacement for the injured Chris Pollock, will be under particular scrutiny after Henry's comments served to further put the spotlight on match officials this season.

Rennie added that he wasn't surprised Israel Dagg had been recalled to fullback after coming off the reserves bench in the past two matches for the Crusaders. "We always knew he would be involved.

"He's one of the best fullbacks in the world.

For Rennie, All Blacks flanker Sam Cane returns from a back injury to the bench, with Tanerau Latimer retaining his place at openside. "It's a reward for Lats as much as anything," he said. "He was probably our best player against the Hurricanes last weekend."

Patrick Osborne replaces Lelia Masaga on the right wing for the Chiefs.

Chiefs team to play the Crusaders at Waikato Stadium tomorrow:

Robbie Robinson, Patrick Osborne, Charlie Ngatai, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Toby Smith, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Dan Waenga, Lelia Masaga.

Crusaders:

Israel Dagg, Tom Marshall, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ben Funnell/Laurence Corlett, Joe Moody, Dominic Bird, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Robbie Fruean, Telusa Veianu.But Chiefs coach has no scrum fears