Chiefs and Crusaders to make history this week

The Chiefs and Crusaders will make history this week, with thousands of fans counting down to the first ever Super Rugby game in Fiji.

New Zealand's top two rugby franchises take their round 15 clash in Suva on Friday, where a hefty contingent will make the trip over from New Zealand, including Fijian‑born and former All Black Joeli Vidiri.

But, Vidiri said it's the locals who will be most excited.

Tickets sold fast in Fiji when they were released in April, with fans urged to buy tickets three months in advance to avoid missing out.

Around 19,000 fans are expected to pack out Suva's ANZ Stadium where one covered stand holds 4000 people and another 15,000 will fill up grass and concrete embankments.

Some of the All Blacks stars in form Chiefs players who have been announced by the team to travel to Fiji are Hika Elliot, Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr‑Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald, Setareki Tamanivalu and nippy fullback Damian McKenzie.

Elliot is also in line to play his 100th match should he takes the field on Friday.

The Chiefs will host the Crusaders at 7.35pm Friday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.

The Gallagher Chiefs travelling squad for Fiji is:

Forwards: Kane Hames, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Hiroshi Yamashita, Atu Moli, Hika Elliot, Nathan Harris, Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Taleni Seu, Sam Cane, Tom Sanders, Mitchell Brown, Lachlan Boshier, Jacob Skeen.

Backs: Brad Weber, Tawera Kerr‑Barlow, Aaron Cruden, Stephen Donald, James Lowe, Toni Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Seta Tamanivalu, Damian McKenzie, Sam McNicol.

Source: Chiefs.co.nz