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Cape Town - Scrumhalf Tawera Kerr-Barlow has been ruled out of action for two months with a fractured hand.
Kerr-Barlow suffered the injury during his team's 28-27 victory over the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend, when his fist made contact with Aaron Cruden's head during a tackle.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie confirmed the injury on Wednesday, when he announced the team to play the Sharks.
Adding to Rennie's injury issues, wing James Lowe and midfielder Charlie Ngatai are again unavailable due to shoulder injuries.
Also not considered for selection as a result of injuries are Nepo Laulala, Mitchell Karpik, Augustine Pulu, Johan Bardoul, Pauliasi Manu, Sam Henwood, Tevita Koloamatangi, Michael Allardice, Tom Sanders, Maama Vaipulu, Atu Moli and Glen Fisiiahi.
In the forwards Hika Elliot and Japan Test prop Hiroshi Yamashita will pack down alongside Taranaki loosehead Mitchell Graham, who makes his seventh consecutive start for the Chiefs.
Dominic Bird returns from injury to partner Brodie Retallick at lock.
Taleni Seu is promoted from the replacements to wear the No 6 jersey, alongside co-captain Sam Cane and No 8 Michael Leitch.
Among the backs Anton Lienert-Brown returns from injury to start at inside centre. He is joined in midfield by Taranaki's Seta Tamanivalu.
Brad Weber starts at scrumhalf, with support from co-captain Aaron Cruden at flyhalf.
Sam McNicol, Toni Pulu and Damian McKenzie complete the backline at No 11, No 14 and No 15 respectively.
Kick-off in New Plymouth on Friday is at 09:35 SA time.
Teams:
Chiefs
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Sam McNicol, 10 Aaron Cruden (co-captain), 9 Brad Weber, 8 Michael Leitch, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Taleni Seu, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Dominic Bird, 3 Hiroshi Yamashita, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Mitchell Graham
Substitutes: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Siate Tokolahi, 18 Kane Hames, 19 James Tucker, 20 Lachlan Boshier, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Andrew Horrell, 23 Shaun StevensonSharks
15. Willie le Roux, 14. JP Pietersen, 13. Paul Jordaan, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Lwazi Mvovo, 10. Garth April, 9. Michael Claassens, 8. Daniel du Preez, 7. Jean-Luc du Preez, 6. Keegan Daniel (captain), 5. Stephan Lewies, 4. Etienne Oosthuizen, 3. Lourens Adriaanse, 2. Kyle Cooper, 1. Dale Chadwick
Substitutes: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Thomas du Toit, 18. Coenie Oosthuizen, 19. Hyron Andrews, 20. Jean Deysel, 21. Stefan Ungerer, 22. Joe Pietersen, 23. Odwa Ndungane
