A dicky calf has kept All Black lock Keith Robinson out of the Chiefs' Super 14 opener against the Brumbies tomorrow night.
The Chiefs aren't about to take any risks with the rugged but injury-prone Robinson. Another noted hard man, Kristian Ormsby, takes his place.
The Chiefs arealso missing impressive centre Richard Kahui, who has a shoulder niggle, and loose forward Sione Lauaki, who has a broken bone in a hand, while wing Roy Kinikinilau has also been ruled out with a hamstring twinge.
But two new Chiefs will run out in Hamilton, fullback Dwayne Sweeney and second five-eighths Tane Tuipulotu.
Although Tuipulotu has done time at the Hurricanes, he rarely cracked a formidable midfield logjam. Now he gets a chance alongside blockbusting Niva Ta'auso.
With Kahui, who seems sure to be the Chiefs' first-choice No 13, perhaps available as early as next week, Ta'auso a possible contender at second five-eighths and Tasesa Lavea waiting his chance, Tuipulotu must grasp his opportunity tomorrow night.
The versatile Sweeney is making his Super 14 rugby debut and coach Ian Foster likes what he's seen in the buildup to the competition.
"Dwayne has impressed at No 15 in the limited time he has had in the position, as well as in his pre-season work and general play," Foster said.
* Former All Black skipper Tana Umaga is on the Hurricanes' bench for their match against the Reds in Brisbane tomorrow night.
Conrad Smith captains last year's beaten finalists from centre, alongside Ma'a Nonu, with promising Auckland wing David Smith and fullback Cory Jane to make their Super 14 rugby debuts.
