The Chiefs are keeping the faith in the lead up to the Super Rugby final, naming an unchanged line-up for Saturday's clash with the Brumbies.
In front of a sold out crowd, the Chiefs will attempt to win back-to-back titles after toppling the Crusaders 20-19 in last week's semi-final.
Bay of Plenty flanker Tanerau Latimer has retained the Chiefs No.7 jersey for tomorrow's finals clash with the Brumbies.
If the Brumbies have any chance of winning, as with last year's beaten finalists the Sharks, they must overcome a gruelling travel schedule which saw them arrive in Hamilton yesterday following their last-gasp 26-23 win against the Bulls in Pretoria.
This is the Brumbies first final appearance since lifting the Super Rugby trophy in 2004.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is resisting the urge to reshuffle his squad, instead placing faith in the side, which earned them a spot in their second consecutive final.
The only concern is Bay of Plenty wing Lelia Masaga, who is suffering from an ankle injury and still needs to get through the last training. But Rennie is optimistic the electrifying wing will take his place in what is his final game in Chiefs' colours.
'There has been an enormous amount of hard work to get us into this position and we are excited to be playing in front of the people who mean the most to us,” says Rennie.
If Masaga does not make it through, Robbie Robinson slots in on the wing with Patrick Osborne taking his place on the bench.
In the Brumbies, the Chiefs may face a sterner kicking duel than the Crusaders while also being wary of talismanic flanker George Smith who has been somewhat of a revelation since returning refreshed from Japan.
Rennie knows it will be an emotionally charged night with Craig Clarke, Toby Smith, Richard Kahui, Brendon Leonard and Masaga all heading offshore at the end of the season.
'They have been a big part of the Chiefs family and we want to send these outstanding Chiefs men out on a high with back to back titles.”
Chiefs' squad to face the Brumbies at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton tomorrow (7.35pm):
- Toby Smith
- Hika Elliot
- Ben Tameifuna
- Craig Clarke ©
- Brodie Retallick
- Liam Messam
- Tanerau Latimer
- Matt Vant Leven
- Tawera Kerr-Barlow
- Aaron Cruden
- Asaeli Tikoirotuma
- Andrew Horrell
- Charlie Ngatai
- Lelia Masaga/Robbie Robinson
- Gareth Anscombe
- Rhys Marshall
- Ben Afeaki
- Michael Fitzgerald
- Sam Cane
- Augustine Pulu
- Bundee Aki
- Robbie Robinson/Patrick Osborne



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