KEY POINTS:
Despite the gulf separating the sides on the Super 14 rugby table, coach Ian Foster says the Chiefs will accord the Queensland Reds due respect in Hamilton on Saturday night.
The Chiefs lie fifth, separated from fourth spot by only points difference, while the Reds are in 10th
position and out of realistic playoffs contention.
But Foster today said that the Queenslanders' upset win over Western Force last weekend showed how much they had improved since they finished a distant bottom last year.
"The last couple of weeks, they look like they are playing with much more resolve and they have a big physical pack," he said.
"Certainly their lineout work and driving work is good."
Foster said the likes of prop Rodney Blake, hooker Stephen Moore, lock and skipper James Horwill and loose forward Leroy Houston had been among players to catch the eye.
In the backs, first five-eighth Quade Cooper and the midfield pairing of Berrick Barnes and Morgan Turinui were starting to form a good combination, he said.
For the Chiefs, the match is their last at home in the round robin stages, with their three remaining fixtures being in Perth, Johannesburg and Durban.
The run-in is a difficult one, but after their impressive 18-5 victory over competition leaders the Crusaders last Friday night, they still have their destiny in their own hands.
Foster has made two changes to his starting 15, both injury-related.
He will also wait until match day before confirming his bench, where halfback Brendon Leonard, prop Simms Davison and second five-eighth Callum Bruce are all bracketed and doubtful.
Leonard's bruised knee and Davison's upper leg strain were behind the changes to the starting side.
Jamie Nutbrown, himself coming back from a significant knee injury, replaces Leonard, while Ben May slots into the front row for Davison.
Foster said Leonard's knee was still sore and it was looking unlikely that the All Blacks halfback would make it on to the bench, while Davison was rated a 50-50 proposition.
The situation was a little brighter for Bruce, a late withdrawal against the Crusaders because of an ankle injury.
"But again we just want to give him as much time as possible with that ankle," Foster said.
- NZPA