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KEY POINTS:
Key players Mils Mulaina and Sione Lauaki have been injured out of Friday's Super 14 rugby match against the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.
While No 8 Lauaki is sidelined with a hamstring injury strained in last week's opening loss to Crusaders in Christchurch, captain Muliaina suffered a far less conventional twinge.
The veteran All Blacks fullback strained his back yesterday morning when standing up from his seat in a video session.
Flanker Liam Messam will captain the side in Muliaina's absence while former Highlander Mike Delany comes in at fullback for his Chiefs debut.
"Mils' situation has given us the opportunity to hand the captaincy over to Liam who has clearly established himself as a leader within our camp," Foster said.
Winger Sosene Anesi was not considered as an option, having not recovered completely from a hamstring strain.
There are two other starting changes to last week's team, with Callum Bruce named at second five-eighth for Dwayne Sweeney and Tony Lynn for Craig Clarke at lock.
Centre Richard Kahui is suffering from a bruised hip which has ruled him out of training early this week.
Coach Ian Foster was hopeful Kahui would start but Jackson Willison travelled with the squad today as cover.
Mike Delany, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Colin Bourke, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, James McGougan, Craig Clarke, Serge Lilo, Toby Morland, Dwayne Sweeney, James Wilson
- NZPA
