Mains is back in charge of the Highlanders

In the other semi-final due to take place on Saturday, last year's runners-up, the Crusaders, take on the Otago Highlanders.

The Crusaders are without the services of Todd Blackadder but boast a plethora of All Black talent for the game.

Among the biggest names are Richard McCaw, Scott Robertson, Dave Hewett and Norm Maxwell.

Former All Black coach Laurie Mains is back in charge of the Highlanders, a decade after leaving the club to take charge of the international side.

Born and bred in Otago, Mains has been tipped to help All Black wing/full-back Jeff Wilson regain his best form.

Wilson starts the match alongside fellow internationals Byron Kelleher, Tony Brown and Taine Randell.

Teams:
Chiefs:
Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Mark Ranby, Bruce Reihana, Glen Jackson, Rhys Duggan, Deon Muir (captain), Marty Holah, Jonno Gibbes, Keith Robinson, Kristian Ormsby, David Briggs, Keven Mealamu, Deacon Manu.

Waratahs:
Mat Rogers, Scott Staniforth, Matt Burke (captain), Nathan Grey, Marc Stcherbina, Duncan McRae, Chris Whitaker, David Lyons, Phil Waugh, Des Tuiavii, Tom Bowman, Jono West, Rod Moore, Brendan Cannon, Matt Dunning.

Crusaders:
Leon MacDonald, Joe Maddock, Nathan Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Aaron Mauger, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Scott Robertson, Richard McCaw, Reuben Thorne (captain), Norm Maxwell, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Mark Hammett, Mark Hewett.

Highlanders:
Willie Walker, Jeff Wilson, Ryan Nicholas, Paul Steinmetz, Aisea Tuilevu, Tony Brown, Byron Kelleher, Todd Miller, Craig Newby, Sam Harding/Kelvin Middleton, Simon Maling, Filipo Levu, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver (captain), Joe McDonnell.