Chiefs-Hurricanes game an audition for All Blacks

Mils Muliaina

Mils Muliaina of the Chiefs lines up against the Hurricanes' Ma'a Nonu in what has all the hallmarks of an All Black centre trial in the crunch game of the Super 14 round in Wellington tomorrow night.

Having recovered from a groin strain, the All Black fullback reverts again to centre in place of the injured Niva Ta'auso for a game the Chiefs simply must win to stay in the semifinal hunt.

He teams up with Sam Tuitupou in the Chiefs' midfield in what should be a cracking matchup against Nonu and the man who held the black No 13 jersey last year, Tana Umaga.

Elsewhere, two combative halfbacks who are the frontrunners for the All Black job, Byron Kelleher and Piri Weepu, go head to head, while Marty Holah and Bernie Upton are two other Chiefs with statements to make for the All Black selectors.

Holah, who was overtaken in the selectors' eyes for the tour to Britain and Ireland last year by Chris Masoe, squares off with him at the Cake Tin.

Steven Bates returns to No 8, taking over from Liam Messam who switches to blindside flanker. Prop Ben Castle is back in place of Nathan White at tighthead and Tom Willis takes over at hooker from Aleki Lutui.

The Hurricanes are third on 34 points and eyeing a home semifinal. The Chiefs, seventh on 27, know a playoff spot is still within their grasp.