The Chiefs have resisted throwing Dominic Bird straight back into action and have made just two changes to their starting XV to face the Brumbies in Canberra.
Former All Blacks lock Bird has recovered from a fractured foot suffered in the pre‑season, but won't travel across the Tasman and will instead increase his fitness ahead of a return against the Blues in Hamilton.
The same goes for halfback Tawera Kerr‑Barlow and hooker Nathan Harris, who are both now clear of their concussion symptoms.
Two players will return from the casualty ward against the Brumbies, with Anton Lienert‑Brown and Shaun Stevenson in the starting lineup and on the bench, respectively.
The Chiefs play the Brumbies at 8.40pm Saturday.
CHIEFS: Damian McKenzie, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Charlie Ngatai, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden (co‑c), Brad Weber, Michael Leitch, Sam Cane (c), Tom Sanders, Taleni Seu, Michael Allardice, Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Atu Moli, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, James Tucker, Maama Vaipulu, Kayne Hammington, Seta Tamanivalu, Shaun Stevenson.
Source: stuff.co.nz
