Chiefs halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow making a break against the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, Saturday 14 April 2012. Photo by Denese Lups /Rugby15.

The Chiefs, who remain at the top of the Investec Super Rugby competition, have announced their team to play the MTN Lions this Saturday night, 9:35am CAT (South African Time) at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe.

After there eighth win in a row, the Chiefs have made some changes to their line up.  Flanker, Sam Cane gets a start with Tanerau Latimer moving to the left of the scrum while Liam Messam is out with a rib injury.  One of last week’s try scoring props, Toby Smith gets his first start since his injury in round one, while other try scoring prop and crowd favourite, Sona Taumalolo sits on the bench.

Lock, Brodie Retallick has been given his first rest of the year, which sees Michael Fitzgerald starting in the number five jersey.  Kane Thompson comes back in at No 8 after a minor neck injury with Scott Waldrom, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Maritino Nemani coming on to the reserve bench.

Coach Dave Rennie said “As we are only half way into the competition we are using this game to give some players who have not had much game time an opportunity they deserve.”

Fans are encouraged to get to the match at ECOLight stadium early as it is expected to be the largest rugby match that Pukekohe has seen in over a decade.   One lucky fan will be invited to kick for $3000 cash at halftime in the Waikato Draught ‘Kick for Cash’ competition.

Ticket prices for the Chiefs v Lions match start at $6.50 for kids and $22.50 for adults on the embankment.  The stand price is $42.00.  Tickets are available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or wwww.chiefs.co.nz and ECOLight Stadium.  Gates open at 5.50pm.  For more information visit www.chiefs.co.nz .

Next week, the Chiefs head toBrisbaneto play the Reds at Suncorp Stadium prior to their bye.  The next Chiefs home game will be against the Bulls at Waikato Stadium on Friday 25 May.  For more information visit www.chiefs.co.nz .