Rugby: Steamers' Cane handed start against Rebels

The Chiefs have announced their team to play the Rebels in Melbourne tomorrow at 9.40pm.

Pauliasi Manu and Ben Tameifuna will start as the props, with Bay of Plenty's Michael Kainga ruled out with a shoulder injury. Fellow Steamer Sam Cane is in the starting line up, with Matt Vant Leven having his first start this season in the No8 jersey.

Brendon Leonard starts at halfback while Augustine Pulu moves to the bench. Bundee Aki comes in to replace Richard Kahui, who is carrying a shoulder injury, while the back trio of Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga and Gareth Anscombe remains the same.

Hooker Hika Elliot comes on to the bench and is joined by prop Toby Smith, Bay of Plenty flanker Tanerau Latimer and winger Patrick Osborne.

The Chiefs' next home game will be at Pukekohe when they take on the Western Force on Friday, May 10, at ECOLight Stadium.

Chiefs v Rebels

1 Pauliasi Manu, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 4 Craig Clarke, 5 Brodie Retallick, 6 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane, 8 Matt Vant Leven, 9 Brendon Leonard, 10 Aaron Cruden, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Lelia Masaga, 15 Gareth Anscombe.

Reserves: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Toby Smith, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Patrick Osborne.