Chiefs ready to adapt to Fiji heat after training in a simulated heat room for 10-day period

Should things heat up in Fiji this weekend, the Chiefs will be ready to adapt.

Ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders, the Hamilton‑based club simulated their expected playing conditions – high heat and high humidity.

For a 10‑day period, the players trained in a simulated heat room – putting work in on the rowing machines and exercycles for up to half an hour at 30C and a 100% humidity level.

The two sides go into the match battling for final playoff seedings. The Highlanders sit one spot ahead of the Chiefs in fifth place, but a Chiefs win would likely see them switch places.

The Hamilton club will field a strong side for the match, with All Blacks Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Karl Tu'inukuafe and Sam Cane all backing up.

For Cane, it'll be his first match for the Chiefs since their week 10 win over the Reds in late April.

Meanwhile the Highlanders also welcome back a number of All Blacks, with Waisake Naholo and Ben Smith taking their usual spots in the backline with Jackson Hemopo lining up in the loose forwards, while Liam Coltman and Shannon Frizell will play from the bench.

Liam Squire remains out due to a shoulder injury.

The Highlanders will host the Chiefs at 7.35pm tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium.

In other matches tonight, the Blues take on the Reds at 7.35pm, while the Rebels face the Waratahs at 9.45pm.

Tomorrow, Brumbies will play the Hurricanes at 9.45pm, while the Sunwolves meet the Bulls at 11.55pm.

On Sunday, the Sharks meet the Lions at 3.15am while the Jaguares take on the Stomers at 7.40am

Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Wainui, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (c), Luke Jacobson, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Angus Ta'avao, Liam Polwart, Karl Tu'inukuafe.

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sam Prattley, Jeff Thwaites, Jesse Parete, Mitch Karpik, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marty McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson.

Highlanders: Ben Smith (cc), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Daniel Lienert‑Brown.

Reserves: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Alex Ainley, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman.

[Source:NZ Herald]

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