Rugby: Bason to start for Chiefs

David Bason. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Halfback David Bason will make his first start for the Chiefs in their Super 14 rugby match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday night.

Bason's promotion was confirmed by coach Ian Foster today after his No 1 halfback Brendon Leonard was ruled out of the match due to a haematoma in his left thigh.

Matt France, a Taranaki representative, a former New Zealand Colt and a member of the Crusaders wider training group, has been brought in to provide halfback cover on the reserves bench.

Foster has been some interesting changes in his backline, shifting regular fullback Mils Muliaina to centre and moving wing Sitiveni Sivivatu to fullback.

Regular midfielder Richard Kahui was not considered for selection because of an ankle injury sustained last week against the Waratahs.

Foster has named an unchanged forward pack.

- NZPA