The Chiefs play their first New Zealand derby match of the campaign this Friday when they take on the Crusaders at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton in round five of the Super 14.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said: “we’re looking forward to our first New Zealand derby game, as they are always intense and competitive.”

“It has been good to have a full training week after last week’s short turnaround. There’s been an opportunity to reflect on our first four games, and whilst we were frustrated with our last performance, overall the squad has made great progress.”

The Chiefs welcome back lock Craig Clarke into the Chiefs line-up, having recovered from a groin strain suffered in the round two match against the Lions.

Clarke, with 17 Chiefs caps to his name, is one of two changes in the Chiefs tight-five this week. The other is hooker Aled de Malmanche starting in the number two jersey. Vern Kamo comes into the reserves bench as cover at hooker, with Hika Elliot suffering a hamstring strain at training earlier in the week.

“Craig Clarke’s return is a result of him doing a great job with our medical staff. This has ensured his return at the best case scenario we gave him of three weeks, rather than the longer, but expected four to five weeks. ”

“I expect a real lift in our intensity, back to the levels we achieved in the first couple of weeks. Certainly there were some individuals last week that didn’t get to the level they would have wanted,” said Foster.

In regards to Sione Lauaki Foster said: “Sione and I have decided that in light of the week that he has had, that the right thing to do is not play him in this game. We will fully support Sione over the next few weeks.”

Chiefs

1. Sona Taumalolo,2. Aled de Malmanche,3. Nathan White,4. Craig Clarke,5. Romana Graham,6. Liam Messam ,7. Tanerau Latimer,8. Colin Bourke,9. Brendon Leonard,10.Stephen Donald,11.Sitiveni Sivivatu,12.Callum Bruce,13.Richard Kahui,14.Lelia Masaga,15.Mils Muliaina (captain)

Reserves: 16. Vern Kamo, 17. Ben Afeaki, 18. Culum Retallick, 19. Luke Braid, 20. Junior Poluleuligaga, 21. Mike Delany, 22. Dwayne Sweeney.