Scrum.com : Two new Chiefs to face Brumbies

Dwayne Sweeney will make his Super 14 bow this weekend

Two new Chiefs to face Brumbies

31 January 2007, 11:44 pm

By Graham Jenkins

Two new Chiefs will emerge on Saturday night when the Chiefs take on the Brumbies in Round One of the Rebel Sport Super 14 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Rookie Dwayne Sweeney will start at fullback this weekend in his first Rebel Sport Super 14 outing. Second five-eighth Tane Tu’ipulotu will earn his first cap as a Chief, but he is not new to rugby at this level having played for the Hurricanes in previous seasons.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster says the new Chiefs in the backline will inject plenty of enthusiasm into the side.

“But at the same time we need to concentrate on our decision making as we go into Round One. Dwayne has impressed at number 15 in the limited time he has had in this position, as well as in his preseason work and general play.”

“Tane is starting a new chapter in his rugby career with our franchise. I’m sure he will enjoy the chance to get into a starting jersey after not having this opportunity in past seasons with the Hurricanes,” adds Foster.

In the forwards Foster has opted for the loose forward starting trio of Steven Bates, Marty Holah and Liam Messam. Holah will in fact play his 70th consecutive Chiefs game on Saturday night. Openside specialist Tanerau Latimer is on the reserve bench, while Sione Lauaki is unavailable for selection due to a broken wrist.

Chiefs lock Jono Gibbes will once again captain the Chiefs. Kristian Ormsby will partner Gibbes with locking duties, with rookie Chief Toby Lynn covering this position off the bench.

The Chiefs v Brumbies match will be played on Saturday 3 February at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. Kick off is 7.35pm (NZ time).

The Chiefs team is:

1. Simms Davison
2. Tom Willis
3. Nathan White
4. Jono Gibbes (captain)
5. Kristian Ormsby
6. Steven Bates
7. Marty Holah
8. Liam Messam
9. Jamie Nutbrown
10.Stephen Donald
11.Anthony Tahana
12.Tane Tu’ipulotu
13.Niva Ta’auso
14.Sosene Anesi
15.Dwayne Sweeney

Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ben Castle, Toby Lynn, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Tasesa Lavea, Lelia Masaga.