Rugby: Moa pays price as selectors make stand

Taniela Moa. File photo / Brett Phibbs

Chiefs halfback Taniela Moa has paid for his second-half sin against the Blues, losing his spot on the bench to Tawera Kerr-Barlow for tomorrow's crucial clash against the Waratahs in Sydney.

Moa was the pivotal figure in last weekend's three-point loss to the Blues, conceding a penalty shortly after the Chiefs had fought back to 13-13 and were threatening ascendancy.

With the Chiefs' playoff hopes facing extinction - though with the extended season and reconfigured format it is hard to predict how many points will be enough to make the six-team playoffs - the selectors have made a stand against the sort of actions that cost matches.

Kerr-Barlow, 20, is highly regarded by coach Ian Foster, who believes it is a matter of when, not if, he becomes an All Black. But there is a feeling in the Chiefs' camp that Kerr-Barlow is still learning to play at this level.

A snappy passer off the ground and a darter from the base - similar in style to Brendon Leonard - Kerr-Barlow's (fixable) flaw is a lack of game craft and difficulty getting his forwards running off his shoulder.

Foster has made two changes from the team that faced the Blues: Dwayne Sweeney's selection at second five-eighths sees Tana Umaga drop to the bench, while Toby Smith replaces Sona Taumalolo at loosehead prop.

Kerr-Barlow's elevation to the bench is the only other change.

"We are determined to turn some good form into good results," an upbeat Foster said. "Two close losses [against the Hurricanes and the Blues] either side of two good wins over the Rebels and Sharks show we are playing reasonably well, but we have to improve closing out tight games in order to build the sort of momentum we are looking for."

The Chiefs have managed just two wins in Sydney - 33-26 in 1997 and 28-23 in 2007 - but meet a team that has issues with injuries in key positions.

Al Baxter is missing from the front row and at No 10 Berrick Barnes has been ruled out after suffering another concussion against the Brumbies.

Kurtley Beale will return to the playmaker's role he last played in the 2008 Super 14 final against the Crusaders.

It is fair to acknowledge that Beale flattered to deceive at No 10 before establishing himself as a world-class fullback, but he had no hesitation in accepting the role.

It is expected Beale will drop back and defend at fullback to avoid the prospect of Liam Messam and Scott Waldrom running at him all night.

"I know I've got an importance to the side so I'm just going to go out there and do my best for the team and not overplay my hand," he said.

The Waratahs are hopeful Barnes will miss only one match after scans cleared him of any serious damage.

Sydney, 9.40pm tomorrow

WARATAHS
Lachie Turner
Ateli Pakalani
Ryan Cross
Tom Carter
Drew Mitchell
Kurtley Beale
Luke Burgess
Wycliff Palu
Phil Waugh (c)
Ben Mowen
Pat O'Connor
Dean Mumm
Sekope Kepu
Tatafu Polota-Nau
Benn Robinson

CHIEFS
T Nanai-Williams
Lelia Masaga
Richard Kahui
Dwayne Sweeney
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Mike Delany
Brendon Leonard
Liam Messam (c)
Tanerau Latimer
Scott Waldrom
Isaac Ross
Craig Clarke
Nathan White
Hika Elliot
Toby Smith

Waratahs: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Dave Dennis, Sitaleki Timani, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu.

Chiefs: Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo, Culum Retallick, Fritz Lee, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tana Umaga, Save Tokula.