Gibbes hopes his 50th kills off ghost

Jono Gibbes leads the Chiefs in his 50th game for the franchise when they look to exorcise a year-old demon against the Reds in Hamilton tomorrow night.

He will be the 10th player to reach the milestone. Two who already have line up alongside him in the fourth round Super 14 game - flanker Marty Holah and centre Mark Ranby.

Last year, the Chiefs took an unexpected stumble in their fourth-round clash with the Queensland franchise, losing 20-6. That proved an ultimately critical night in their unsuccessful chase to make the playoffs.

That defeat hurt the Chiefs. They knew they'd let themselves and their fans down. As Gibbes half-quipped yesterday: "We charged people to come and watch that game." There's a strong desire not to repeat that.

Gibbes leads a side with an unchanged backline but three changes in the pack from that which beat the Force 26-9 last week in Perth.

Steven Bates replaces Kristian Ormsby at blindside flanker; lock Bernie Upton swaps with Sean Hohneck, who reverts to the bench; and Deacon Manu comes in at loosehead prop for Simms Davison.

The only change coach Ian Foster might have considered was giving Loki Crichton a run at first five-eighths, after Stephen Donald had some difficulties in Perth, especially with his goalkicking.

Gibbes played 20 minutes off the bench in the second round match against the Cats, and played the first hour against the Force. He's happy with his progress as he searches for a return to his best form after a lengthy layoff for a foot injury.

Coach Ian Foster has no doubts the Reds will be difficult opponents again, and has primed his players for an intense match.

"While we have had a short preparation this week it has been a concentrated one," he said.

"We fully understand the nature of the challenge."  


Chiefs versus Reds

Hamilton, 7.35pm tomorrow

Team:
Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Mark Ranby, Sam Tuitupou, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates, Bernie Upton, Jono Gibbes (c), Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Deacon Manu,

Reserves:
Aleki Lutui, Simms Davison, Sean Hohneck, Kristian Ormsby, Jamie Nutbrown, Loki Crichton, Lelia Masaga