Rugby: Foster freshens Chiefs pack for Stormers

Aled de Malmanche returns at hooker in place of Hika Elliot. Photo / Ben Fraser.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster has opted for an injection of fresh legs for Sunday's crucial showdown with the Stormers in Cape Town.

Serge Lilo has been named to start at openside flanker in place of Tanerau Latimer, while Aled de Malmanche returns at hooker and Toby Lynn comes in at lock in a pack that contains three changes.

Winger Soseni Anesi, who has not featured since injuring his shoulder in round four against the Force, returns on the right wing in place of rookie Tim Mikkelson.

There was plenty of good news for the Chiefs as they go into the competition's 12th round seeking a victory that will keep their playoff destiny in their own hands, with captain Mils Muliaina, centre Richard Kahui and first five-eighths Stephen Donald all cleared to play. The All Black trio acquired niggling injuries in last week's defeat by the Bulls in Pretoria.

After being cleared thanks to a technicality after his high shot on Bryan Habana, Sione Lauaki has been named to start at No 8.

"The team has recovered well from two games at altitude and are now very focused on this match," Foster said. "The players are feeling good after having a settled week in Cape Town. We certainly know that we need to be ready for a proud Stormers' challenge this weekend."

Last weekend's defeat saw the Chiefs slip from first to third in the Super 14 ladder and, with competition leaders the Hurricanes next up after a gruelling return trip from South Africa, Foster's side will be desperate to bank some vital points against the lowly Stormers.

The South Africans have won just three matches this season but one of those was last week against the Highlanders in Dunedin, a result that will have boosted their spirits ahead of a return to the imposing Newlands Stadium.

STORMERS
Conrad Jantjes
T. Chavhanga
Dylan des Fountein
Peter Grant
Sireli Naqelevuki
Willem de Waal
Dewaldt Duvenage
Luke Watson
Duane Vermeulen
Schalk Burger (c)
AJ Venter
Hilton Lobberts
Brok Harris
Tiaan Liebenberg
JD Moller

CHIEFS
Mils Muliaina (c)
Sosene Anesi
Richard Kahui
Callum Bruce
Dwayne Sweeney
Stephen Donald
Toby Morland
Sione Lauaki
Serge Lilo
Liam Messam
Toby Lynn
Craig Clarke
James McGougan
A. de Malmanche
Ben May

Stormers: Schalk Brits, Wicus Blaauw, Martin Muller, Pieter Louw, Ricky Januarie, Morgan Newman, Tiger Bax

Chiefs: Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo, Kevin O'Neill, Tanerau Latimer, David Bason, Mike Delany, Tim Mikkelson