Chiefs select rookie to face the Bulls at fullback
Chiefs’ Super 14 rookie Tim Nanai-Williams will deputise at full-back for the injured Mils Muliaina against defending champions the Bulls on Friday.
Nanai-Williams, 20, comes off the bench for skipper Mils Muliaina, who is out for the rest of the season because of a broken thumb.
In the forwards experienced openside flanker Tanerau Latimer returns to the number seven jersey after a week off with a knee strain, while Liam Messam takes over the captaincy.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster said: “despite our on-going injury issues we have managed to make minimal changes from last week’s line-up. We’re keen to keep as many combinations together as possible.”
“While last week’s tough win over the Highlanders wasn’t perfect, it did have many positives, particularly around our attack.” he said.
“We need to keep building on our skills and execution in this area.”
Chiefs: 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Stephen Donald, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, (captain), 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Afeaki, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Colin Bourke 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Callum Bruce, 22 Jackson Willison.
Date:
Friday, April 9
Venue: Waikato Stadium
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
[Info from Planet Rugby.com]
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