Not only in SA are injuries playing havoc … The Chiefs will be without four big guns for their opening Super Rugby match against the Highlanders on Friday.
Richard Kahui (shoulder), Brendon Leonard (cheek bone), Robbie Robinson (broken leg) and Andrew Horrell (fractured foot) are on the injured list.
Tim Nanai-Williams will play in the midfield after a solid performance in last week’s warm up against the Hurricanes. Bundee Aki will make his Super Rugby debut, along with Patrick Osborne and hooker Rhys Marshall, who has yet to play in the ITM Cup.
Former Blues flyhalf, Gareth Anscombe, will play at fullback.
Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Patrick Osborne, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu.
Bench: Rhys Marshall, Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Charlie Ngatai, Lelia Masaga.
This weekend’s Super Rugby fixtures:
Friday 22 Feb:
08:35 Highlanders vs Chiefs, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
10:40 Rebels vs Brumbies, AAMI Park, Melbourne
19:10 Bulls vs Stormers, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday 23 Feb
08:35 Hurricanes vs Blues, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
10:40 Reds vs Waratahs, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
17:05 Cheetahs vs Sharks, Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
19:10 Kings vs Force, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
