Already looking ahead to Friday, from a Canes perspective I think Plumtree should unleash the beast and throw Aumua into the fire and give him a run against a placid Chiefs outfit, with Coles on the bench for safe keeping. This will allow Coles to freshen up after his hefty work load.

I would like to see Smith come back into loose-head, though I'm not too sure how he is fairing with concussion symptoms - otherwise I would like to see Eves and Fidow start.

In the locking department I'm hoping they will bring in Ferreira alongside Mitchell, with Walker-Leawere on the bench. Blackwell has proven to be too small and needs a rest anyway.

Everywhere else stays the same, however it looks like Proctor will be out for the short term after dislocating his finger. Aso will most likely come into centre leaving Barrett on the right and Tiatia at Fullback.

For the Chiefs, has anyone heard how Alaimalo responded after getting munted by Reece?

I'd also like to see McKenzie slot back to Fullback, he has proven to be ineffective at 10 and should give the back three more zip moving to the backfield. Jack Debreczeni comes into 10 for me.

This will most likely be another shit fight like the Canes vs Highlanders match, especially if it rains.

From that article:

If the Chiefs do tinker with the playmakers, it could see a shift from fullback to the wing for Solomon Alaimalo, who returned from a wrist injury last weekend. He, along with openside flanker Lachlan Boshier are going through concussion protocols after being forced off the park against the Crusaders, but Cooper labelled them both "likely" for Friday.

Lock Michael Allardice and loose forward Luke Jacobson should also be available, after concussions of their own. Allardice was ruled out of the Crusaders game after suffering his at training three days prior, while Jacobson recently had a run with the under-20 side, after being forced out of the game since the final round of last year's regular season.

Midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown - a standout in a struggling side - limped out of training on Monday with what Cooper said was a tight calf that wouldn't be a worry.

Switching DMac back to his best position is the best news out of Hamilton so far this season, let's hope they try it.