Chiefs v Cheetahs
Hamilton, 7.35pm
The enigmatic career of No 8 Sione Lauaki took another dip when he and fellow internationals Brendon Leonard and Richard Kahui were benched for the Chiefs match tomorrow against the Cheetahs.
The trio have failed to hit consistent standards in a troubled season for the Chiefs and coach Ian Foster has gone to his alternate selection list to search for some spark when his men begin the latest round of Super 14 action in Hamilton.
Leonard and Kahui have carried a heavy workload this season, in a side which has dealt with a profusion of injuries, and Foster acknowledged that may have taken the edge from their production.
Lauaki though has been on restricted duties and has scarcely got out of second gear.
"Clearly, he has had a mixed year," said Foster in his most understated tone.
"He has had a year when he had two weeks' suspension and missed a bit of time through other reasons and generally is a guy who takes a few games to come back into the game."
Lauaki had improved his impact and defence in the past few weeks, but also made early mistakes which dented the Chiefs momentum. Foster said that starting from the subs bench would give the loose forward a better perspective on the rhythm of the match and how he could make an impact.
Surprisingly, Foster picked Lauaki as his interim captain when Mils Muliaina sat out the first few games this season.
The move backfired when Lauaki was injured then sinbinned in his first game back and banned for two games for a spear tackle. After that he pleaded guilty to assault in a bar scuffle in Hamilton and was fined, banned for a week and sanctioned by the New Zealand Rugby Union.
While Foster decided to use his three senior players from the bench he was able to welcome back All Black wing Sitiveni Sivivatu after a troubling knee injury. Colin Bourke, Junior Poluleuligaga and Jackson Willison have come in for the three benched internationals.
Tighthead prop Nathan White returns to start, while longtime casualties James McGougan and Kevin O'Neill have made the bench against a Stormers team which has reclaimed captain Juan Smith after his father's funeral.
Chiefs skipper Liam Messam said the new faces in the team were excited about getting their chance to find the side their first win this season in Hamilton. Results had been frustrating but they had put their poor effort last round against the Stormers behind them.
"We are going to win this game with our execution and skill level," Messam predicted after those elements dropped away last week.
Foster said his strategy was to get the best out of the demoted trio and to get them to look at the game another way.
They had progressed but not to the level the side needed. This was a way of renewing the energy in the squad after two big physical games.
The Chiefs had not seen the best from Leonard, Kahui and Lauaki this season, said Messam, and while there were differing reasons it was not because of any lack of effort.
The captain lauded Kahui's talent, saying he was a very talented footballer who was important to the Chiefs and New Zealand rugby but was not quite on top of his game at the moment.
"He is trying hard but it is not quite working for him in attack. I think it is in defence, and right now I just want him to freshen up and get excited about getting his hands on the ball."
CHIEFS v CHEETAHS
Chiefs
Tim Nanai-Williams
Dwayne Sweeney
Jackson Willison
Callum Bruce
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Stephen Donald
J. Poluleuligaga
Colin Bourke
Tanerau Latimer
Liam Messam (c)
Callum Retallick
Craig Clarke
Nathan White
Hika Elliot
Toby Smith
Cheetahs
Hennie Daniller
Danwel Demas
Corne Uys
Meyer Bosman
Jongi Nokwe
Naas Olivier
Sarel Pretorius
D. Raubenheimer
Juan Smith (c)
Hendro Scholtz
Barend Pieterse
I. van der Westhuizen
W.P. Nel
Ryno Barnes
Wian du Preez
Chiefs reserves: Vern Kamo, James McGougan, Kevin O'Neill, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Richard Kahui, Jason Hona.
Cheetahs reserves: Adriaan Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen, Nico Breedt, Philip van der Walt, Tewis de Bruyn, Riaan Viljoen, Robert Ebersohn.
