Clarke was doubtful to start after suffering a knee ligament injury against the Crusaders last week, but will be one of seven players in the Chiefs side who also played in the 2009 final, when they lost to the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.

Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Sona Taumalolo, Richard Kahui, Hika Elliot and Lelia Masaga played back then. Kahui is out injured and Masaga and Elliot will play of the bench.

The team is: Robbie Robinson, Tim Nanai-Williams, Andrew Horrell, Sonny Bill Williams, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Kane Thompson, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke, Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Brendon Leonard, Jackson Willison, Lelia Masaga.