The Tongan Bear brought in for Chiefs clash

Loose head prop Loni Uhila and lock Mark Abbott have been brought into the tight five for the Hurricanes big New Zealand Super Rugby derby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

Uhila, popularly known as The Tongan Bear, pushes Chris Eves to the reserves, while Abbott makes a straight swap with James Blackwell, who takes his place on the bench.

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd says the two have both had slightly delayed starts to the season, but they have performed really well through the preseason.

Boyd says he is expecting the Chiefs to provide a major step up in physicality and intensity from the opening two weeks.

He says they are under no illusions what the Chiefs will bring to the table and they expect a really tough contest up front and at set pieces and they also have plenty of threats in the backs.

Friday's match represents the first between the two clubs since last year's Super Rugby semifinal in Wellington, which was won by the Hurricanes 25‑9.

The Hurricanes will face the Chiefs at 6.35pm this Friday.

The Hurricanes team to play the Chiefs at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Friday, March 10 is:

15 Nehe Milner‑Skudder

14 Vince Aso                    

13 Matt Proctor

12 Ngani Laumape

11 Julian Savea

10 Beauden Barrett

9 TJ Perenara (vc)

8 Reed Prinsep

7 Ardie Savea

6 Brad Shields

5 Michael Fatialofa

4 Mark Abbott

3 Jeffery To'omaga‑Allen

2 Dane Coles (c)

1 Loni Uhila

Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Ben May, James Blackwell, Callum Gibbins, Chris Smylie, Otere Black, Jordie Barrett.

Source: Hurricanes.co.nz