Chiefs beef up forwards for Suva clash

The Chiefs are set to extend their roll call of forwards after two new faces were included in the squad to travel to Fiji for the Super Rugby match against the Crusaders.

Coach Dave Rennie included Waikato lock Jacob Skeen and Taranaki lock/loose forward Mitchell Brown in his travelling group of 25 ahead of Friday's game in Suva.

Season-ending injuries in recent weeks to Johan Bardoul and Michael Allardice leaves the Chiefs likely to add to the 23 forwards they have already employed in an injury-riddled season.

Rennie has included all seven members of the Chiefs squad who were involved in the All Blacks' 3-0 sweep of Wales in June.

That includes unused utility back Damian McKenzie and five-eighth Aaron Cruden, who missed the third Test with a neck injury.

Hooker Hika Elliot is in line to play his 100th match for the Chiefs.