Chiefs name new look backline for Blues

Article Published: Thursday 13 May 2010

The Chiefs will bring a new look backline to Auckland this weekend in the final round of the Super 14 when the Chiefs take on the Blues at Eden Park.

Trent Renata will start in the number 10 jersey for the Chiefs.

Renata, who turns 22 today, has been a member of the Chiefs Wider Training Group and played a few minutes of Super 14 rugby when replacing Callum Bruce during the Hurricanes match a fortnight ago.

He will combine with experienced halfback Brendon Leonard.

The Chiefs midfield is made up of other Chiefs Wider Training Group back Phil Burleigh, who will start at second five-eighth with Jackson Willison (pictured) at centre.

The Chiefs back three sees Jason Hona return to the left wing, with Save Tokula on the right wing, and Tim Nanai-Williams at fullback.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said: "there is no hiding the fact we have lost a lot of experience in our backline.

"The new faces in the backs have a big challenge facing the Blues, but there is a sense of excitement in the squad about seeing the new level of Chiefs coming through."

In the front row, props Toby Smith and Ben Afeaki will combine with hooker Aled de Malmanche.

"Super 14 is a tough championship to bring young players into, especially tough when a number of them come in together at one time, but the lessons learnt over previous weeks and good preparation means they remain excited about the opportunity to perform for the Chiefs. "

The Chiefs team :

1. Toby Smith,2. Aled de Malmanche ,3. Ben Afeaki,4. Craig Clarke,5. Culum Retallick,6. Liam Messam (captain),7. Tanerau Latimer,8. Colin Bourke,9. Brendon Leonard,10. Trent Renata,11. Jason Hona,12. Phil Burleigh,13. Jackson Willison,14. Save Tokula,15. Tim Nanai-Williams

Reserves: 16. Hika Elliot, 17.Tristan Moran, 18. Kevin O’Neill, 19.Luke Braid 20. Junior Poluleuligaga, 21. Siale Piutau, 22. Tim Mikkelson.

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