Rugby: Chiefs development team announced

The Chiefs Development team has been announced to play Samoa 'A' in their last match of the IRB Pacific Rugby tournament today in Te Awamutu at 5.15pm.

The Chiefs Development side is coming off a 50-18 win against Tonga 'A' on Saturday in Te Kuiti and coach Johnny Walters believes this has given his side confidence.

"Last weekend's match was tougher than the score reflected, but as we get more time together, we are beginning to perform more as a unit and the talent from our provincial unions is really starting to shine through," he said.

"This is a great programme and has given our players a true taste of first class rugby and what they need to do to take the next step forward in their rugby careers."

The side will also feature Chiefs players Solomona Sakalia, Michael Kainga and Martino Nemani.

Chiefs Development Team Matches Thursday 28 March: Chiefs Development v Samoa 'A' @ Albert Park, Te Awamutu, kick off 5.15pm Tickets to the match available on match day at the gate.

Chiefs Development Team to play Samoa 'A' today is:

1. Solomona Sakalia (Chiefs) 2. Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty) 3. Michael Kainga (Chiefs - Bay of Plenty) 4. Brian Alainu'uese (Waikato) 5. Josh Olsen (Waikato) 6. Johan Bardoul (Bay of Plenty) 7. Maama Viapulu (Counties Manukau) 8. Carl Axtens (Bay of Plenty) 9. Josh Hall (Bay of Plenty) 10. Wharenui Hawera (Waikato) 11. Dillon Collier (Waikato) 12. Regan Ware (Waikato) 13. Save Tokula (Waikato) 14. Tino Nemani (Chiefs) 15. Joe Webber (Waikato) 16. Hame Faiva (Waikato) 17. John Tu'ungafasi (Waikato) 18. Jossan Levien (Waikato) 19. Kane Jacobson (Waikato) 20. Ruan Du Ploy (Waikato) 21. Tom Halse (Counties Manukau) 22. Junior Tofa-Va'a (Bay of Plenty) 23. Josh Davey (Waikato).

Players not available to play because of injury or otherwise not available:

Matt Talaese (Counties Manukau), Loni Uhila (Waikato), Suliasi Taufalele (Counties Manukau), Sam Kilgour (Waikato), James Tucker (Waikato), Keepa Mewett (Bay of Plenty), Troy Callendar (Bay of Plenty), Matt Vant Leven (Waikato), Rory Grice (Waikato), Sonny Afililongo (Waikato), Joe Reynolds (Counties Manukau), Tyrone Lefau (Counties Manukau), Anton Leinert-Brown (Waikato), Semisi Masirewa (Waikato) and Tony Pulu (Counties Manukau).