Brodie Retallick makes return for Chiefs ahead of Hurricanes encounter

Chiefs have received a much-needed boost ahead of the Friday's Super Rugby encounter against Hurricanes with New Zealand international Brodie Retallick returning back to the line-up.

The All Blacks lock returns to action after being on the sidelines for six weeks due to injury while Sam Prattley also has been given a first start.

Anton Lienert-Brown returns at centre replacing Sean Wainui and Marty McKenzie takes over the fly-half duties from his younger brother Damian McKenzie.

Rettalick takes the place of Michael Allardice, who moves to the bench now while Sam Prattley, Liam Polwart, Mitchell Karpik and Jesse Parete replace Karl Tuinukuafe, Nathan Harris, Sam Cane and Liam Messam respectively.

“Marty will be the game driver at number ten, and we are confident that he can control the game really well,” said head coach Colin Copper.

Chiefs are positioned third in New Zealand Conference with 45 points after winning 10 matches from the 15 played until now.

Chiefs line-up: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Shaun Stevenson, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Jesse Parete, Mitchell Karpik, Lachlan Boshier, Tyler Ardron, Brodie Retallick, Angus Ta’avao, Liam Polwart, Sam Prattley

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Jeff Thwaites, Michael Allardice, Liam Messam, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tiaan Falcon, Johnny Faauli