Rugby: Chiefs name big guns for Blues clash

Fullback Mils Muliaina forms a potent back three with wings Sitiveni Sivivatu and Leila Masaga for the Chiefs. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The Chiefs welcome back some serious strike power for their Super 14 rugby match against the Blues in Hamilton on Saturday.

Three All Blacks return to the starting 15 - winger Sitiveni Sivivatu, halfback Brendon Leonard and No 8 Sione Lauaki - from the side who scraped past the Highlanders 14-10 last weekend.

A fourth change sees Callum Bruce return at second five-eighth for Jackson Willison, meaning there are three new faces in a backline that struggled to penetrate the Highlanders.

It took a brilliant try to in-form winger Lelia Masaga to emerge victorious at Invercargill.

Masaga forms a potent back three with All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina and Sivivatu, who returns from a week's injury break in place of James Wilson.

There is also extra dynamicism at halfback, with former All Black Brendon Leonard pushing Toby Morland to the reserve bench, reversing their roles from last week.

Lauaki also came off the bench last week but will start in the clash of the two northern rivals, pushing Liam Messam to the flank and Serge Lilo to the reserves.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster hoped his team can produce a more rounded display than last week.

"We're starting to show growth in key facets of our game and now need to build concentration over a full eighty minutes," Foster said.

"We are still seeking more consistency, particularly going into a New Zealand derby, which are generally tight, hard fought games - just like we have experienced already this season against the Crusaders (loss) and Highlanders."

Chiefs
Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo.

Reserves: Hika Elliot, James McGougan, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, Toby Morland, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney

- NZPA