Super Rugby debut: Bundee Aki
Injuries have forced Chiefs coach Dave Rennie to name a new look backline for Friday night's Super Rugby opener against the Highlanders.
Andrew Horrell, Robbie Robinson, Brendon Leonard and Richard Kahui all remain out injured.
As a result, Tim Nanai-Williams will take the field at centre after a solid performance in last week's trial against the Hurricanes.
Chiefs midfielders Bundee Aki and Charlie Ngatai have both been cleared to play with the latter taking his place on the bench.
Aki as well as wing Patrick Osborne and hooker Rhys Marshall will all make their Super Rugby debuts.
Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Patrick Osborne, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Ben Tameifuna, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Charlie Ngatai, 22 Lelia Masaga.
Date: Friday, February 22
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
Television match official: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
Comments
piriaka says...
Go!! The Chiefs!! - representing us King Country - ites!!
Posted 11:26 21st February 2013
UBA05 says...
Agree on Bundee Aki, if he can take his ITM cup form to Super Rugby level, WATCH OUT!!!
Something about this line-up doesnt give me full confidence, oh well, we chief fans were spoilt with the powerful line-ups all of last season.
The title defence is on
GO CHIEFSSSS!!!!
Posted 07:51 21st February 2013
hobo says...
Bundee Aki= Fantasy Rugby must have
Posted 11:02 20th February 2013
comeonletsplay says...
Ossshhhhhh that's a good front 8 boys. Bring it on Highlanders!
Posted 10:34 20th February 2013
passtheball says...
Shouldn't have let Willison go to the Blues and should have recruited Renata IMO - both were in fine form for Waikato. The Highlanders have a good chance to make a winning start here. Rennie and co will have to come up with a good game plan and the new boys will need to settle quickly if Nonu gets some ball.
Posted 09:42 20th February 2013
jestnation says...
Really interested to see Aki in action.
Heard great things and could be a player with a big future.
Posted 09:31 20th February 2013
rugby_rockstar says...
Much changed for last year's side, but if the pack give the half back super stars any kind of platform then watch out.
Over to you Adam Thomson, give 'em hell.
Posted 09:14 20th February 2013