Wounded Chiefs prep for Brumbies

The Chiefs are calling in the cavalry ahead of their Super Rugby grand final rematch with the Brumbies in Canberra tomorrow, on Anzac Day.

After being narrowly pipped 18-17 by the high-flying Crusaders in Hamilton, the Chiefs will be looking to right their 2014 campaign – but they must do so without a large number of their frontline players.


Chiefs fullback Tom Marshall has been a shining light in the defending champion's backline in recent weeks. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

The Chiefs have a list of 11 players unavailable for tomorrow night's away match, including 10 on the injured list plus suspended lock Mike Fitzgerald.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Liam Squire – both have concussion – and Tanerau Latimer has an Achilles injury, joining the likes of Mils Muliaina, Ben Afeaki and Aaron Cruden on the sideline following the bruising Crusaders clash, resulting in six changes to the starting line-up and four on the bench.

Mahonri Schwalger replaces 21-year-old Rhys Marshall with hopes the hooker's experience will help shore up some of the Chiefs' recent lineout and scrum woes, while lock Ross Filipo gets his first start for the year.

Nick Crosswell and Sam Cane get starts on the flanks, with Liam Messam moving to No 8 and Augustine Pulu at halfback, replacing the concussed Kerr-Barlow. Left winger Asaeli Tikoirotuma takes his place in the side after being a late defection from last week's match.

Tevita Koloamatangi comes onto the bench as flanker cover and is joined by halfback Brad Weber and Dwayne Sweeney, who has re-joined the Chiefs after two years playing in Japan. James Lowe also returns from a knee injury.

Chiefs' coach Dave Rennie knows this is a crucial match for both teams, which are currently top of their respective conferences, with the winner claiming second spot on the overall ladder behind the Sharks.

And the Anzac Day factor adds an extra edge.

'It is special to be playing a match against an Australian team on ANZAC Day. It is a hugely important day for our two countries,” says Rennie.

Chiefs side to face the Brumbies in Canberra on Anzac Day:

  1. Pauliasi Manu
  2. Mahonri Schwalger
  3. Ben Tameifuna
  4. Ross Filipo
  5. Brodie Retallick
  6. Nick Crosswell
  7. Sam Cane
  8. Liam Messam (captain)
  9. Augustine Pulu
  10. Gareth Anscombe
  11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma
  12. Bundee Aki
  13. Andrew Horrell
  14. Tim Nanai-Williams
  15. Tom Marshall
  16. Nathan Harris
  17. Jamie Mackintosh
  18. Josh Hohneck
  19. Matt Symons
  20. Tevita Koloamatangi
  21. Brad Weber
  22. Dwayne Sweeney
  23. James Lowe

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1 comment

The lads

Posted on 24-04-2014 16:29 | By YOGI BEAR

Good luck, have to support them as they are playing against the Aussies BO-BO-BO ...


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