Jackson to start for Chiefs

Chiefs coach Kevin Greene has opted for Glen Jackson to start at first five-eighth for the Chiefs in tomorrow's Super 12 rugby clash with the Cats in Rotorua.

Greene said Jackson did not have a lot of opportunities to start in the position this season and now was the right time to allow him a run-on start in front home fans.

"He has good form on this ground (Rotorua) and it has been in our planning for some weeks to give Jacko a start in this match," Greene said.

The Chiefs other specialist first-five eighth David Hill is on the bench.

Shayne Austin returns to wear the number 11 jersey, with Roger Randle and Sitiveni Sivivatu bracketed to start on the other wing.

Injuries have plagued both Randle (hamstring) and Sivivatu (shin) in the recent weeks and Greene will will decide who to start with closer to the time.

Greene said Austin looked sharp at training this week.

Issac Boss earns another starting spot at halfback ahead of Rhys Duggan. Kevin Senio and Duggan, who is recovering from a hamstring problem, are bracketed on the reserve bench.

The Chiefs forward pack remains largely unchanged from last week.

Prop Michael Collins returns from injury this week to take his place on the bench.

Meanwhile midfielder Mark Ranby has been ruled out of the match after dislocating his shoulder at training today.

Springboks flanker Joe van Niekerk is one of the six players returning to Super 12 rugby action for the Cats tomorrow.

Van Niekerk, Gcobani Bobo, Jorrie Muller, Enrico Januarie, Hendro Scholtz and Hanyani Shimange have all been recalled following injuries but Andre Pretorius remains sidelined.

Pretorius and KleinJan Tromp might be back against the Reds next weekend.

Van Niekerk and Scholtz are likely to add both power and speed to the Cats pack.

Chiefs: Loki Crichton or Todd Miller, Roger Randle or Sitiveni Sivivatu, Regan King, Shayne Austin, Keith Lowen, Glen Jackson, Isaac Boss, Steven Bates, Marty Holah, Chresten Davis, Keith Robinson, Jonno Gibbes (captain), David Briggs, Greg Smith or Shane Carter, Tevita Taumoepeau. Reserves: Rhy Duggan or Kevin Senio, David Hill, Loki Crichton or Todd Miller, Wayne Ormond, Scott Couch, Shane Carter or Aleki Lutui, Michael Collins.

Cats: Jaque Fourie; Ashwin Willemse, Jorrie Muller, Friedrich Lombard, Gcobani Bobo, Kennedy Tsimba, Enrico Januarie, Bobby Skinstad (captain), Joe van Niekerk, Marco Wentzel, Jannes Labuschagne, Hendro Scholtz, Baksteen Nell, Hanyani Shimange, Lawrence Sephaka. Reserves: Rudi Coetzee, Norman Jordaan, Juan Smith, Delarey du Preez, Pat Barnard, Russel Winter, one other.

- NZPA