Kelleher rested, but Anesi back for Chiefs

All Black halfback Byron Kelleher has been rested, with Jamie Nutbrown taking his place, for the Chiefs Super 14 rugby match against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.

Kelleher travelled to the United States this week for a family bereavement, returning to New Zealand only today.

Coach Ian Foster, in naming his side this morning, said another consideration was that Kelleher's ribs were still tender from knocks in recent games.

"We felt it was best to give him a rest," he said.

Up-and-comer Brendon Leonard is named on the bench to cover the halfback spot.

Meanwhile, winger Sosene Anesi, a member of the Commonwealth Games gold-medal winning New Zealand sevens side, returns to the starting 15.

Anesi, who suffered a heavy knock to the head during the sevens tournament in Melbourne, received a medical clearance late yesterday to play.

Chiefs:

Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi, Mark Ranby, Sam Tuitupou, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Jamie Nutbrown, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah, Steven Bates, Bernie Upton, Jono Gibbes (captain), Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Deacon Manu.

Reserves:

Simms Davison, Aleki Lutui, Sean Hohneck, Kristian Ormsby, Brendon Leonard, David Hill, Loki Crichton.

- NZPA