Gibbes to play at lock for Chiefs

All Blacks forward Jono Gibbes will take the field at lock when the Chiefs take on the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday night in the opening round of the Super 12 rugby championship.

Gibbes, who has been dogged with injuries over the past few months, will team up with Sean Hohneck to lock the scrum.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said Gibbes maybe a little bit short of match fitness but was confident his captain would draw on his experience.

Foster has opted for the combination of Mark Ranby at centre and Grant McQuoid at second five-eighth in midfield.

First five-eighth David Hill will start against the Waratahs, along with Byron Kelleher at halfback.

Loki Crichton makes a long-awaited return from a knee injury to Super 12 action, starting at fullback for the Chiefs.

Team:

Loki Crichton, Sosene Anesi, Mark Ranby, Grant McQuoid, Sailosi Tagicakibau, David Hill, Byron Kelleher, Steve Bates, Marty Holah, Wayne Ormond, Sean Hohneck, Jono Gibbes, Deacon Manu, Aleki Lutui, Simms Davison. Reserves: Adrian Cashmore, Stephen Donald, Kevin Senio, Sione Lauaki, Bernie Upton, Ben Castle, Scott Linklater.

- NZPA