Ranby centre of attention in Chiefs farewell

Chiefs stalwart Mark Ranby will play his last Super 14 match at home for the Chiefs against the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday night.

Ranby, who is to play in Japan next month, starts at centre on Saturday alongside Sam Tuitupou at second five-eighth.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster today made other changes to the Chiefs backline for the match, opting to begin David Hill at first five-eighth, with Stephen Donald on the bench, and Mils Muliaina moving from centre to fullback.

In the forwards, Jono Gibbes returns from injury to captain the Chiefs and will play at blindside flanker.

Hooker Aleki Lutui starts in the front row, with Scott Linklater being called up from the franchise's wider training group to cover for him in the reserves bench.

Should Deacon Manu come off the bench this weekend, he will be playing his 50th game for the Chiefs.

Hooker Tom Willis is unavailable for selection due to concussion.

Chiefs:
Mils Muliaina, Anthony Tahana, Mark Ranby, Sam Tuitupou, Sitiveni Sivivatu, David Hill, Byron Kelleher, Steve Bates, Marty Holah, Jono Gibbes (captain), Sean Hohneck, Bernie Upton, Nathan White, Aleki Lutui, Simms Davidson.
Reserves: Scott Linklater, Deacon Manu, Kristian Ormsby, Liam Messam, Jamie Nutbrown, Stephen Donald, Sosene Anesi.

- NZPA