Chiefs back at full strength

Chiefs back at full strength

13 May 2009

Keo.co.za brings you the latest from New Zealand’s Super 14 franchises.

Chiefs back at full strength

Scrumhalf Brendon Leonard has been named in a full strength Chiefs squad for Friday’s final round-robin game against the Brumbies.

The two teams meet in a vital Super 14 clash Hamilton which could have a massive impact on the make-up of the semi-finals.

After three weeks on the sidelines with a chest injury the Leonard takes his place in a team that also features a revamped front row.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster has shuffled his props with James McGougan back in favour at tighthead with the versatile Ben May switching over to loosehead to accommodate the change.

Sona Taumalolo drops to a bench that also features the return of talented backline utility Dwayne Sweeney now that he has overcome his ankle injury. Deputy halfback Toby Morland is also there after making way for Leonard.

The second-placed Chiefs are on the verge of just their second playoffs appearance. A solitary bonus point would be enough to make the playoffs and if they can nail a bonus point win they will be assured of a home semifinal.

The fifth-placed Brumbies have everything to play for in Hamilton, making for a fascinating contest.

CHIEFS – 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O’Neill, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 James McGougan, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Ben May.
Subs: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Toby Lynn, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Dwayne Sweeney, 22 Sosene Anesi.


6 Comments

  • 1.grant10: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2009, 08:09 am

    huge game!

  • 2.scar: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2009, 13:38 pm

    Huge game, but no ways the Brumbies will be containing the flying Chiefs

  • 3.Nils: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2009, 13:49 pm

    Huge game and I can see an upset. At times Brumbies are masters to spoil the party.

    Anyway, Chiefs just cannot afford to end up with zero points (if Brumbies get 5) as they can miss out playoffs. Go Chiefs.

  • 4.klippies101: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2009, 14:37 pm

    good team the chiefs

  • 5.BlackPanther: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2009, 16:25 pm

    #2 scar:

    Thats completely naive. The Brumbies are a proud tough team. Cheifs have a history of deflating their own high hopes.

    Massive match. Cheifs vs Brumbies and Sharks vs Bulls are essentially ‘Playoffs’ in context of the Title. Cant wait !

    Cheifs with Leonard back will have no excuses. He is the best no9 playing in NZ by streets.

  • 6.Dantalion: Reply to this comment
    13 May 2009, 16:27 pm

    Go Brumbies! :mrgreen:

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