Clash Mils Muliaina returns to the Chiefs starting line-up when they take on the Hurricanes this Saturday night in Wellington in Round 12 of the Rebel Sport Super 14.
Muliaina, who has recovered from a groin injury suffered in the Stormers match a fortnight ago starts at centre, with Sam Tuitupou at second five-eighth.
Sosene Anesi starts at fullback again with Sitiveni Sivivatu and Anthony Tahana on the wings. In the forwards Marty Holah will run on at openside flanker and will captain the Chiefs for the third time this season.
Jono Gibbes was ruled out for this match due to a niggling rib injury. Liam Messam, at blindside, and Steven Bates, at number eight, make up the Chiefs loose forward trio for Saturday.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster says the weekend match up is yet another vital game for the Chiefs. ‘We are again playing a team above us on the points ladder.
The last four weeks where we have gone unbeaten, albeit a draw against the Bulls, have been crucial for us as a team and have given us a chance in this competition,’ adds Foster.
The Chiefs v Hurricanes match will be played on Saturday 29 April at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Kick off is 7.35pm.
The Chiefs team is:
- Simms Davison
- Tom Willis
- Ben Castle
- Bernie Upton
- Sean Hohneck
- Liam Messam
- Marty Holah (captain)
- Steven Bates
- Byron Kelleher
- Stephen Donald
- Sitiveni Sivivatu
- Sam Tuitupou
- Mils Muliaina
- Anthony Tahana
- Sosene Anesi
Reserves: 16.Aleki Lutui, 17. Nathan White, 18. Kristian Ormsby, 19. Nili Latu, 20. Jamie Nutbrown, 21. David Hill, 22. Mark Ranby.