Dip in pool solves Chiefs' problems

Tasesa Lavea

Chiefs coach Ian Foster was delighted the draft let him resolve some of the midfield problems he was facing in the next Super 14 series.

Overseas contracts and the Blues' decision to select Sam Tuitupou had cut into Foster's midfield assets.

David Hill, Mark Ranby and Loki Crichton had all been lost from that mix and the Chiefs needed some fortune when the unprotected players went into the draft pool.

When the haggling stopped and the decisions were made, the Chiefs emerged with experienced five-eighths Tasesa Lavea and Tane Tu'ipulotu.

Add Richard Kahui - an automatic pick after his stellar national championship year - Stephen Donald, Mils Muliaina and Dwayne Sweeney and the midfield looked robust.

"We were delighted to get Tasesa and Tane in the draft," Foster said. "That helped what was starting to look [like] a bit of a problem."

New players are props Craig West and Aled de Malmanche, who will back up as a hooker, lock Toby Lynn, halfback Brendon Leonard, Kahui, Sweeney and first five-eighths Murray Williams.

Lock Keith Robinson returns from an extended injury and his second row partner in the final of the Air New Zealand Cup, Jono Gibbes, will captain the Chiefs.

Foster said: "Jono and Steven Bates have a good relationship and this will freshen both and give us different perspectives on how we should do things."

It was tough to decide when to get younger players and "we had to decide where they might benefit the team most, we had to pick players who fitted our styles", Foster said.

"Lavea is experienced and there are many good points to his game. He could play 10 or 12 and he is an astute kicker, nice passer and we can blend some of those skills into our play."

Meanwhile the Hurricanes have rewarded flanker Serge Lilo, halfback Alby Mathewson, wing Cory Jane and lock Hayden Triggs with selection and collected David Smith, Hayden Hopgood, Nili Latu, Tone Kopelani, Chris Smylie, Bradley Mika and Blair Stewart in the draft.

The Crusaders have first-time selections for Kieran Read, Michael Paterson, Peter Dixon, Isaac Ross, Ti'i Paulo, Tim Bateman, Stephen Brett, Ben May and Jonathon Poff from the franchise area and Northland loosie Jake Paringatai and Harbour five-eighths Tusi Pisi have been drafted.

Wings Lucky Mulipola and Viliame Waqaseduadua are the draft picks for the Highlanders who have chosen Keith Cameron, Alando Soakai, Ezra Taylor, Toby Morland, Aaron Bancroft, Craig Clare, David Hall, Charlie Hore, Jason Kawau, Jamie McIntosh, Kane Thompson, and Greg Zampach for their first series.