Rugby: Chiefs name strong team for opener

Chiefs player Sonny Bill Williams will make his return for the Chiefs against the Blues tomorrow. Photo / NZME.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has had some tough decisions to make ahead of his team's opening match against the Blues.

The Chiefs will play the Blues at QBE Stadium in North Harbour at 7.35pm tomorrow in their first Investec Super Rugby match for 2015.

Rennie has named a strong team for the match and has handed Bay of Plenty Steamer flanker Johan Bardoul a start on debut.

"There has been some difficult decisions with a lot of competition for places," Rennie said.

"We're rapt with the side we have picked but realise it will be a big challenge at North Harbour."

In the front row, Hika Elliot makes his return to Super Rugby and is joined by props Pauliasi Manu and Ben Tameifuna. Pre-season captain Matt Symons will continue to lead the side from lock and will be joined by Michael Fitzgerald.

There are two debutants in the loose forwards in Bay of Plenty Steamer Bardoul and No8 Maama Vaipulu, who will play alongside All Black Sam Cane, playing his 51st game.

Chiefs

1. Pauliasi Manu, 2. Hika Elliot, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Matt Symons (c), 5. Michael Fitzgerald, 6. Johan Bardoul*, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Maama Vaipulu*, 9. Brad Weber, 10. Damian McKenzie*, 11. James Lowe, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Charlie Ngatai, 14. Tim Nanai-Williams, 15. Tom Marshall; Substitutes: 16. Rhys Marshall, 17. Jamie Mackintosh, 18. Siate Tokolahi*, 19. Michael Allardice*, 20. Tevita Koloamatangi, 21. Augustine Pulu, 22. Marty McKenzie*, 23. Bryce Heem* (*Chiefs debutants).