Chiefs welcome back Gibbes
Thu, 15 May 2008 17:11
Chiefs lock Jono Gibbes has been thrust into the starting line-up for Saturday's vital Super 14 clash with the Sharks in Durban.
Gibbes returns at lock after an extended period on the sidelines due to a badly torn hamstring.
The Chiefs 22 contains a couple of brackets and some player changes - reflecting the injury woes sustained in the Chiefs camp over the past fortnight.
In the forwards Tom Willis returns to wear the No.2 jersey supported by props Aled de Malmanche and Ben Castle.
No.8 Sione Lauaki, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last weekend against the Lions, is bracketed with loose forwards Hayden Hopgood and Faifili Levave.
In the backs, Brendon Leonard, who only arrived in South Africa earlier this week, returns to wear the No.9 jersey and will combine with Stephen Donald at flyhalf.
Mils Muliaina will start at centre with Sosene Anesi at fullback.
Sitiveni Sivivatu, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, is bracketed with Viliame Waqaseduadua.
"This tour has been very frustrating from an injury perspective, with this week being particularly hard for our medical staff," he said on the Chiefs official website.
"However, the team is getting more settled as the week goes on and we are certainly looking forward to Saturday's match.
"With seven wins already in this competition we know we can perform at the top level but the amount of significant injuries has again been a concern.
"We take confidence from those past performances and are determined to give it everything this weekend," added Foster.
Chiefs: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Mils Muliaina (captain), 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu/Viliame Waqaseduadua, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Sione Lauaki/Hayden Hopgood/Faifili Levave, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Jono Gibbes, 3 Ben Castle, 2
Tom Willis, 1 Aled de Malmanche.
Replacements: 16 John Paeranga, 17 Nathan White, 18 Toby Lynn, 19 Sione Lauaki/Hayden Hopgood/Faifili Levave, 20 Jamie Nutbrown, 21 Dwayne Sweeney, 22 Viliame Waqaseduadua/Murray Williams.
Date: Saturday, May 17
Venue: Absa Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: Brett Bowden (Australia), Pro Legoete (South Africa)
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
