Injuries have forced Chiefs coach Dave Rennie to shuffle his backline ahead of their final Super Rugby pre-season trial against the Hurricanes in Mangatainoka.
Rennie has been forced to leave out fullback Robbie Robinson, midfielders Richard Kahui and Charlie Ngatai, halfback Brendon Leonard and utility Andrew Horrell.
Leonard will miss the opening weeks of the competition with a fractured cheekbone but the defending champion Chiefs are hopeful the rest will be fit for their competition-opener against the Highlanders on Friday next week.
A patched-up backline for Saturday’s game in the small Wairarapa township sees winger Tim Nanai-Williams start at centre while first five-eighth Gareth Anscombe is at fullback.
Team: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Fritz Lee, Tanerau Latimer, Nick Crosswell, Mike Fitzgerald, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Toby Smith, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick, Romana Graham, Ross Filipo, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Rhys Marshall, Maritino Nemani, Patrick Osborne