Rugby: Chiefs' speedsters back on deck

Lelia Masaga has not played since the round eight win over the Reds. Photo / Getty Images

The Chiefs' backline will be at full strength with the return of wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga for their top-of-the-table Super 14 rugby match against the Hurricanes on Saturday in Hamilton.

Other changes to the Chiefs starting line up from their win over the Stormers last weekend include Sona Taumalolo starting at loosehead prop with Ben May moving to tighthead, lock Kevin O'Neill getting the nod over Toby Lynn and Tanerau Latimer taking the No 7 jersey in place of Serge Lilo, who drops to the bench.

Sivivatu will start for the first time in six weeks after recovering from a dislocated shoulder, while Masaga is back from a knee injury to form a powerful back three combination with skipper Mils Muliaina.

The Hurricanes, after two weeks in first place, can secure a semifinal - possibly at home - with a win.

In doing so they will attempt to beat the Chiefs for the fifth straight season - a first against a New Zealand opponent - and for the fourth time in their last six matches in Hamilton.

The Chiefs will be trying to win their eighth match this season, a franchise record.

The Hurricanes and Chiefs possess the two best attacking records in the competition this season, respectively averaging 30 and 28 points per match.

Both play an expansive style, suited to their backline strengths. The Hurricanes have All Blacks Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Cory Jane among their starting lineup; the Chiefs Stephen Donald, Richard Kahui, Sivivatu and Muliaina.

The clash between Smith and Kahui will be a highlight as both are battling for the All Blacks' No 13 jersey.

Flanker Serge Lilo, who played for the Hurricanes until this season when he joined the Chiefs, has been well-placed to assess the form and styles of both teams.

He sees a critical battle at the breakdown for the second phase possession which can launch both teams' attacking games.

"They've been going good. They really attack at the breakdown," he said.

"We just have to match it really, and not sit back and defend but attack in those ruck situations. We've got to meet fire with fire."

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said the team was delighted to be playing in front of their fans again.

"Having played seven away games, and only four at home so far this year, the team is excited about being at home for the last two round robin games," he said.

"The Hurricanes represent a formidable challenge, but there will be two teams out there on Saturday night that are feeling confident with their form at the moment."

Officials expect a full-house of 25,000 for the match with latest figures showing only about 400 tickets left.

Chiefs
Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Toby Morland, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo

Reserves: Hika Elliot, James McGougan, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, David Bason, Mike Delany, Sosene Anesi.

- NZPA