Gibbes returns on the bench

Chiefs forward Jono Gibbes makes a long-awaited return to rugby on the reserve bench for the Super 14 match against the Cats at Johannesburg on Saturday morning (NZ time).

On-going foot injuries have kept the Chiefs captain out of rugby for the last five months.

However, he was fully recovered and Chiefs coach Ian Foster said putting Gibbes on the bench was the best way for him to gain confidence after such a long spell away.

"No doubt Jono will be excited by the opportunity to play again," Foster said.

Bernie Upton and Kristian Ormsby will be the starting locks for the Chiefs, with Sean Hohneck being left out from the side who lost the opening match to the Sharks on Sunday.

In the backs, Jamie Nutbrown will get his first Chiefs start at halfback, ahead of Byron Kelleher who is named in the reserves.

Mark Ranby is the only other change in the backline from last week, replacing the injured Niva Ta'auso at centre.

In the front row, experienced Chiefs prop Deacon Manu will start ahead of Ben Castle.

* Chiefs team:

Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Mark Ranby, Sam Tuitupou, Stephen Donald, Jamie Nutbrown, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates, Bernie Upton, Kristian Ormsby, Deacon Manu, Tom Willis (captain), Simms Davison. Reserves: Aleki Lutui, Ben Castle, Jono Gibbes, Liam Messam, Byron Kelleher, Loki Crichton, Anthony Tahana. 

- NZPA