Super Rugby round nine
Chiefs make three changes to play Reds
ESPN Staff
April 11, 2013
The Chiefs' Tim Nanai-Williams relaxes, Highlanders v Chiefs, Super Rugby, February 22, 2013
Tim Nanai-Williams returns from a groin injury © Getty Images
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Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting XV for their Super Rugby clash with Queensland Reds on Saturday.

Injuries to Ben Afeaki (ankle) and Lelia Masaga (back) respectively see Ben Tameifuna promoted to tight-head and Tim Nanai-Williams return from a niggling groin injury to start on the wing. Sam Cane, meanwhile, returns to the starting line-up at openside after playing off the bench in Mount Maunganui two weeks ago, pushing Tanerau Latimer to blindside and captain Liam Messam to No 8.

Heading into Saturday's clash with the Reds, second in the Australian conference, Rennie is wary of threat the Will Genia and company pose. "The Reds are a high-quality side that has got some world-class players," he said. "I have been impressed by what I saw of them against the Highlanders. We got towelled up against them last year, so it is going to be a hell of a challenge."

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe; Tim Nanai Williams, Richard Kahui, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, August Pulu; Liam Messam (captain), Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer; Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald; Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Michael Kainga, Nick Crosswell, Fritz Lee, Brendon Leonard, Andrew Horrell, Patrick Osborne.

© ESPN Australia / New Zealand

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