Rugby: Lowe and Heem provide bite in Chiefs' backline

James Lowe has added much-needed bite to the Chiefs' backline. Photo / Getty

Both should retain positions after top work against Stormers.

One way to counter a Shark attack is to unleash a few Makos of your own.

The Tasman contingent has already added much-needed bite to the Chiefs' backline this season and the region will again be called upon this Sunday in Durban.

It's a shame, given last weekend's effort against the Stormers was perhaps their best attacking display of the season, but the Chiefs will need a new midfield for the encounter against the Sharks.

With Tim Nanai-Williams heading home after breaking a finger and Sonny Bill Williams still suffering concussion symptoms, at least one change is required. Marty McKenzie has replaced Nanai-Williams in the Republic but the more likely options for inclusion in the run-on XV appear to be Andrew Horrell, Seta Tamanivalu and Tom Marshall.

If Marshall earns the call, the utility is likely to combine with James Lowe and Bryce Heem to form a Tasman triumvirate in the backline for the third time this season. But, even if Marshall is left out, the pair of wings will ensure another impact from one of the ITM Cup's smaller provinces.

Both Lowe and Heem enjoyed outstanding performances against the Stormers, helping the Chiefs find great gains along either sideline. And, while guessing Dave Rennie's selections can be as hazardous as swimming with sharks, both men should retain their place at Kings Park.

Lowe is virtually a lock - the 22-year-old has played all but 12 minutes of the Chiefs' five matches and amassed some impressive numbers. Along with three tries, Lowe ranks in the competition's top five in carries (56), metres (498) clean breaks (11) and defenders beaten (15).

In his second season of Super Rugby, Lowe has proven equally adept at stepping into a hole as he is banging through a kick to get his side out of trouble.

"James' left foot is a real weapon for us this year - we go to him pretty often to get ourselves out of our 22," said assistant coach Tom Coventry.

"He's a real attacking force for us as well. Those Tasman boys have come in and been exceptional."

The rise of Heem, the other member of that duo, has been somewhat more surprising than the ever-presence of his provincial partner. Heem earned the man of the match award against the Stormers, saving a try with a brilliant cover tackle at one end and setting away Aaron Cruden with a beautiful offload at the other.

Something of a late bloomer, the 26-year-old is enjoying his first Super Rugby campaign after arriving from the sevens scene. But he is learning how to use his dangerous combination of flair and physicality, combining a frame of 1.92m and 105kg with three try assists in four matches.

"He's been marvellous in our team," Coventry said. "He's a great guy and he's starting to become a little bit louder now he's a little more confident. Obviously he's in a good run [of] form and he's a big boy, too.

"That adds some real attacking potency to our backline, which last season we maybe struggled with."

3 things about fitness
• Tim Nanai-Williams broke a finger playing the Stormers and was replaced in the Republic by Marty McKenzie.

• Sonny Bill Williams still had concussion symptoms and hadn't started the protocols he needed to pass to play this weekend.

• Pauliasi Manu had a blow to the ribs and will be assessed daily.