Rugby: Chiefs make four changes

The Chiefs today made four changes to their starting 15 to play the Highlanders in a Super 14 rugby match in Mt Maunganui on Saturday night.

Most of the changes were injury-enforced, but coach Ian Foster has also opted to give Mike Delany his first start of the season at first five-eighth, with regular No 10 Stephen Donald moving to second five-eighth and Jackson Willison dropping to the bench.

Delany, an All Blacks debutant last year, was in the Chiefs' run-on side for the first three rounds, but at fullback as stand-in for skipper Mils Muliaina, who was given an extended pre-season break.

Those ruled out this week because of injury are winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and flanker Tanerau Latimer, both with knee problems, and hooker Aled de Malmanche, whose fractured thumb is expected to take three to six weeks to heel.

Their replacements are Dwayne Sweeney, Luke Braid and Hika Elliot.

After opening the season with three away wins, the Chiefs are now trying to end a three-match losing streak.

Foster said there was frustration at the growing casualty list, which also includes props Nathan White and James McGougan, both with back injuries.

"That doesn't change the importance of this game against the Highlanders," he said.

"After a couple of close losses, the team is keen to get going again and produce a good performance at home at the Mount."

Meanwhile, for the Highlanders, vice captain Jamie Mackintosh has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a foot injury.

Mackintosh left the field during Friday night's 39-29 victory over the Lions at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

Highlanders Doctor Sandy Webb said Mackintosh's injury, nicknamed "turf toe", is a common injury in front rowers as the big toe is injured while scrimmaging. He is currently wearing a moon-boot and will be treated symptomatically over the next six weeks.

Mackintosh said his focus would be on getting back to playing rugby as soon as possible.

"I'm pretty disappointed to get this injury to such a small part of my body," he said in a statement.

"I feel I have been playing some good rugby but now I need to focus on the rehab and hopefully getting back to play some games at the end of the season."

Highlanders head coach Glenn Moore said the injury was "a big blow for Jamie and the team as he is a key leader within the set-up".

The Highlanders will also be without lock Tom Donnelly, who last week underwent surgery to insert a pin in his ankle and is likely to be out for the rest of the Super 14 season.

TEAMS

Chiefs:

Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Stephen Donald, Dwayne Sweeney, Mike Delany, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Luke Braid, Liam Messam, Culum Retallick, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo.

Reserves:

Vern Kamo, Toby Smith, Jarrad Hoeata, Colin Bourke, Junior Poluleuligaga, Jackson Willison, Tim Nanai-Williams.

Highlanders:

Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Kenny Lynn, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Robbie Robinson, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, Jason Rutledge, Chris King.

Reserves:

Jason Macdonald, Bronson Murray, Joe Tuineau, Tim Boys/John Hardie, Sean Romans, Mat Berquist, James Paterson.

- NZPA