Chiefs' All Blacks getting back into the groove

The Chiefs' preparation for the inaugural Super 14 steps up a notch in Rotorua today, with three All Blacks making their first appearance of the year in the final lead-up match against the Hurricanes.

It is conceivable the side which runs out for the round one clash against the Sharks in Durban on February 12 may be no more than a couple of players different from that which kicks off today's game.

All Black fullback Mils Muliaina makes his first start in a Chiefs jersey, while test halfback Byron Kelleher and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu get their first run of the year.

Coach Ian Foster rates the game a good opportunity for that trio to "get back into the groove" after their layoff post-All Blacks end-of-year tour.

"They're all pretty key players and it's a chance to get back into the rough and tough of rugby and get used to those around them," Foster said.

There's a stack of reserves listed, and Foster will get as many on the park as he can, as part of an inclusive policy within the Chiefs squad during the pre-season programme.

Foster is happy he's got a generally fit squad to work with from the start of the campaign. They will miss captain Jono Gibbes, who is likely to return from his lengthy foot injury in the round two match against the Cats at Johannesburg on February 17.

It is hoped that second five-eighths David Hill, suffering a viral complaint, and young prop Nathan White, who is battling a calf injury, will be fit to play by mid-March.

Hooker Tom Willis captained the Chiefs in their 38-21 win over the Highlanders in Queenstown last week and leads the side again today.

Willis, who led the All Blacks on his debut against Ireland A in 2001, is the obvious captain for the Sharks game, adding a special element in his return to the big time after a year-long layoff with a back injury.

The Hurricanes will field two All Blacks in their starting XV, centre Ma'a Nonu and lock Jason Eaton. They have one of the best stocked benches going, which includes eight All Blacks.

The Chiefs fly out to South Africa tomorrow. 


Chiefs v Hurricanes

* Rotorua, 2.30pm today

Chiefs: M. Muliaina, A. Tahana, M. Ranby, S. Tuitupou, S. Sivivatu, S. Donald, B. Kelleher, S. Lauaki, M. Holah, S. Bates, B. Upton, M. Sorenson, B. Castle, T. Willis, D. Manu. Res: S. Davison, A. Lutui, S. Biddles, K. Ormsby, L. Messam, N. Latu, S. Setephano, J. Nutbrown, L. Crichton, N. Ta'auso, R. Kahui, L. Masaga, S. Anesi, M. Williams.

Hurricanes: T. Ellison, L. Fa'atau, M. Nonu, T. Tuipulotu, H. Gear, D. Holwell, B. Haami, T. Waldrom, S. Lilo, L. Andrews, J. Eaton, P. Tito (c), T. Fairbrother, L. Mahoney, J. Schwalger. Res: A. Hore, J. McDonnell, N. Tialata, C. Masoe, J. Collins, R. So'oialo, P. Weepu, J. Gopperth, I. Toeava, C. Smith, T. Umaga, S. Paku.