Rugby: Chiefs make surprise changes

Aled de Malmanche. Photo / Getty Images

A couple of changes to the Chiefs starting lineup for Saturday night's Super 15 clash with the Reds in Hamilton.

Aled de Malmanche is a surprise starter at hooker ahead of All Black hopeful Hika Elliott who drops to the bench.

Romana Graham returns from injury to start at lock, with Issac Ross dropping out of the 22.

Richard Kahuis neck injury keeps him on the sidelines for the final week of the competition, with former Sevens rep Save Tokula starting along side Dwayne Sweeney in midfield.

Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dwayne Sweeney and Ben May are playing their last games for the Chiefs, while its likely the last for Stephen Donald and possibly Aled de Malmanche.

Chiefs:
1. Ben May, 2. Aled de Malmanche, 3. Nathan White, 4. Craig Clarke, 5. Romana Graham, 6. Liam Messam, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Fritz Lee, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Stephen Donald, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12. Dwayne Sweeney, 13. Save Tokula, 14. Lelia Masaga, 15. Mils Muliaina (Captain)

Reserves:
16. Hika Elliot, 17. Ben Afeaki 18. Culum Retallick, 19. Matt Vant Leven, 20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21. Tim Nanai-Williams, 22. Jackson Willison

- NEWSTALK ZB