Twenty-seven Chiefs and players from the wider training group are set to get game time in the team's first pre-season rugby match against the Highlanders in Invercargill this Saturday.
Returning to the rugby field for the first time since April is Chiefs midfielder Richard Kahui who is named
in the starting line-up and will combine with Tasesa Lavea at first five-eighth and Callum Bruce at second five-eighth.
Jono Gibbes, named at lock for the preseason fixture, will captain the side.
The game will be played in 20 minute quarters and it is expected all 27 players will get game time.
The match will be played under the new experimental law variations that will be trialled in this year's Rebel Sport Super 14 season.
Not considered for selection due to injury were Stephen Donald (ankle), Liam Messam (knee & ankle strain), Sosene Anesi (sprained ankle) and Aled de Malmanche (back strain).
Minor injuries to Dwayne Sweeney (hamstring), Ben Castle (hamstring) and Kristian Ormsby (shoulder) ruled them out of contention this week.
Team: (CWTG - Chiefs Wider Training Group)
Craig West, Vern Kamo (CWTG), Ben May, Jono Gibbes (captain), Toby Lynn, Faifili Levave, Tom Harding, Sione Lauaki, Jamie Nutbrown, Tasesa Lavea, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Callum Bruce, Richard Kahui, Lelia Masaga, Mils Muliaina.
Reserves:
Simms Davison, Tom Willis, Kevin O'Neill, Tanerau Latimer, Hayden Hopgood, Brendon Leonard, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Simone Lemalu (CWTG), Mark Burman (CWTG), Murray Williams (CWTG), Roimata Hansell-Pune (CWTG), Jackson Willison (CWTG).
- NZPA
