Injuries force Chiefs reshuffle

INJURIES TO front-line players have seen Chiefs coach Dave Rennie make a number of changes to his side for its match against the Blues in Hamilton on Friday.

The Chiefs had wing Lelia Masaga (knee), halfback Brendon Leonard  (hamstring) and props Ben Afeaki (arm) and Toby Smith (calf) admitted to the casualty ward following the opening-round loss to the Highlanders.

Asaeli Tikoirotuma takes Masaga’s spot on the wing, Tawera Kerr-Barlow will operate at the base of the scrum in Leonard’s absence and rookie prop Ben Tameifuna replaces Afeaki at tighthead.

The other changes to the run-on team see Samoan internationals Mahonri Schwalger and Kane Thompson come in at hooker and No 8 for Hika Elliot and Fritz Lee, both of whom drop to the bench.

They will be joined there by prop Shane Cleaver, wider training group halfback August Pulu and wing Declan O’Donnell.

Chiefs: Robbie Robinson, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Kane Thompson, Tanerau Latimer Liam Messam (c), Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger , Arizona Taumalolo
Reserves: Hika Elliot, Shane Cleaver, Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Declan O'Donnell