Richard Kahui. Photo by Getty
Four of the Chiefs' big guns will be absent from their
opening Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on
Friday.
As expected, centre Richard Kahui (shoulder), halfback
Brendon Leonard (cheek bone), fullback Robbie Robinson
(broken leg) and Andrew Horrell (fractured foot) are on the
injured list.
Tim Nanai-Williams will take the field at centre after a
solid performance in last week's trial victory over the
Hurricanes. Counties midfielder Bundee Aki has been named at
second-five and will make his Super Rugby debut, along with
winger Patrick Osborne and hooker Rhys Marshall. Hawke's
Bay's Marshall, who has yet to play in the ITM Cup, has been
named in the reserves.
Former Blues first-five Gareth Anscombe will play at
fullback.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said: "It's good to finally start
the competition. I know the boys have been training hard and
are looking forward to getting stuck into it, especially our
new caps."
Chiefs team to play the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium
in Dunedin on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm is: Gareth Anscombe,
Patrick Osborne, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Asaeli
Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Fritz Lee, Sam
Cane, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben
Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Rhys Marshall,
Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine
Pulu, Charlie Ngatai, Lelia Masaga.
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