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Nanai-Williams back for Chiefs

Hamilton - Tim Nanai-Williams has returned from injury and has been included in the Chiefs side to take on the Hurricanes in Hamilton on Friday.

Nanai-Williams' return will be a boost to the Chiefs, who have been hit with a string of injuries before the international break, particularly at centre, where Nanai-Williams is included to start Friday's match.

Rugby365's website reports that coach, Dave Rennie, has named several players in his side who are returning from injury.

There is only one change in the forwards with Ben Afeaki starting at prop and Ben Tameifuna moving to the bench. The other change in the backline involves Lelia Masaga starting on the wing.

Andrew Horrell makes his come back from the reserves and is joined by Charlie Ngatai.

The New Zealand derby is the official farewell match of Chiefs’ players co-captain Craig Clarke, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Brendon Leonard and Toby Smith

Dave Rennie said: "The Hurricanes had a pretty good win against the Crusaders last week and will be buoyed by that. Mathematically they are still in the competition and they have everything to play for.

"It will be pretty physical and as the weather is expected to play its part, you will see two positive sides on the field having a real arm wrestle," Rennie added.

Kickoff for the encounter is at 09:35.

Teams:

Chiefs:
15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Matt Vant Leven, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (captain), 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.

Substitutes: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Charlie Ngatai.

Hurricanes:
15 James Marshall, 14 Matt Proctor, 13 Conrad Smith (captain), 12 Reynold Lee-Lo, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Brad Shields, 5 James Broadhurst, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Ben May, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ben Franks

Substitutes: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Reggie Goodes, 18 Mark Reddish, 19 Faifili Levave/Blade Thompson, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Tusi Pisi, 22 Alapati Leiua

Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Richard Kelly (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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