Rugby: Seven join Foster in final bow as Chiefs

Ian Foster. Photo / Getty Images

The curtain drops on the Ian Foster era in Hamilton tomorrow night and when it is raised again, the Chiefs will be close to unrecognisable.

Not only is the affable coach exiting stage left, but so is the starting front row, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche and Nathan White, and most of the backs.

Mils Muliaina is headed to Japan, as is utility Dwayne Sweeney, while Sitiveni Sivivatu is going Gallic.

First five-eighths Stephen Donald is just a couple of minor details away from inking his deal at English club Bath.

All seven players get a start against the Reds, but another key piece of the Chiefs puzzle, who has yet to decide his future, won't be suiting up.

Centre Richard Kahui has a pinched nerve in his neck, meaning he won't get a last chance to play with "my mates".

"It's frustrating because we're sending a couple of special Chiefs away," he said.

Whether Kahui will be in Chiefs colours again is in doubt, though indications are he wants to remain in Hamilton.

There has been the chase for high-profile recruits like Sonny Bill Williams and Ma'a Nonu and Kahui admits the loss of so many teammates has been unsettling.

Still, he can't think of anywhere else he'd rather play rugby.

"I'm a Chiefs man," he said. "I'm Waikato-born and bred and would love to stay here and play my footy.

"There's a lot of guys who I've played with for five or six years who are leaving. Part of your enjoyment comes from playing with your mates and in those terms it is sad.

"Having said that, those guys will be replaced and the guys who come in will be Chiefs too. I'm sure they will be just as fun to play alongside."

One of those leaving, Ben May, said there was a resolve among the group to send Foster out a winner.

The versatile, if injury-prone, prop has been in good form this year and is a savvy recruit for the Hurricanes.

Part of his reason for leaving was to be nearer his retirement-aged parents in Nelson, he said.

Another was opportunity.

"I'm 28 now and saw an opportunity in Wellington with Neemia Tialata and Johnny Schwalger leaving," May said.

"I want to have a decent crack at playing tighthead.

"With Whitey and Ben Afeaki going well, I haven't had much of a chance here and want to give that a good shot."

Foster has made three changes to his run-on side against the Reds, one of them forced by Kahui's neck problem. He is replaced by Save Tokula.

In the pack, de Malmanche comes in for Hika Elliot at hooker and Romana Graham has won the nod over Isaac Ross at lock.

The Chiefs go into the match 10th on the table and are looking to leapfrog the Hurricanes to avoid the New Zealand conference wooden spoon. A win would guarantee the Reds home advantage through the playoffs.

The Hurricanes, who are a point ahead of the Chiefs, play the Crusaders in the night match in Wellington.

Crusaders second five-eighths Sonny Bill Williams will not face his All Blacks rival Ma'a Nonu after a hip injury ruled him out of the match tomorrow night.

The inclusion of Ryan Crotty in the absence of Williams, who suffered bruising and a tear to his hip area after a tackle by Blues opposite Benson Stanley last Saturday, is the only change to the side that won 23-16 in Timaru.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said they were looking for an improved performance at Westpac Stadium which is effectively a home match for them.

"We were happy with the victory over the Blues last weekend but didn't finish off a few opportunities and we'll be looking to put that right against the Hurricanes," he said.

Tu Umaga-Marshall is on the reserves bench as outside backs cover while Richie McCaw (foot), Israel Dagg (thigh), Sean Maitland (foot), Kahn Fotuali'i (knee) and Adam Whitelock (chest muscle) were not considered.