Rugby: Lauaki back for Brumbies

Sione Lauaki. Photo / Getty Images

Sione Lauaki resumes the quest to restore his reputation as a rugby professional by seeking to cause legitimate damage to the Brumbies Super 14 title hopes in Canberra tomorrow night.

The controversial Chiefs and former All Blacks loose forward returns for the round seven clash with another team on the cusp of the top four.

He was selected at No 8 yesterday by coach Ian Foster, less than 24 hours after pleading guilty to an assault charge over a late night altercation in a Hamilton bar on March 5.

Foster had no hesitation in unleashing Lauaki on a Brumbies pack fortified this season by Rocky Elsom, although denied the ball-snaring abilities of an injured George Smith.

Lauaki cut a glum figure in Hamilton District Court, but Foster was convinced the hard-hitting ball runner was capable of atoning for a disappointing season on - and off - the field.

"It's been a tough period for him, but he's in a good space," Foster said.

"He's been training well. Through it all his contribution to the team has been pretty constant."

Foster was pleased Lauaki had "taken responsibility for his actions". His teammates' support was evident by the attendance of Mils Muliaina, Richard Kahui, Liam Messam and Brendon Leonard in court.

Lauaki started the Chiefs campaign with the honour of captaincy while Muliaina rested but soon found himself on the sidelines when a spear tackle on a Lions opponent resulted in a yellow card and a two-match ban. He missed games against the Force and Reds and was omitted from the line-up against the Crusaders as it coincided with his latest off-field drama.

Lauaki's inclusion demotes Colin Bourke to the bench, enabling the Chiefs to start an all-international loose trio also featuring Tanerau Latimer and Liam Messam.

Their task at the breakdown appears less onerous following Smith's shoulder injury against the Blues last weekend - a setback that sees 18-year-old Michael Hooper entrusted with the openside role. Like Lauaki, Hooper might feel a sense of trepidation as he inherits Smith's No 7 jersey, though he seemed undaunted at Brumbies training this week.

"Big shoes to fill, but great footsteps to follow in," he said. "I feel like I'm ready. The Brumbies have a mentor system and he's my mentor. He gives you tips about how you can improve and take opportunities."

Muliaina welcomed Smith's absence, but warned the Brumbies still posed plenty of offensive dangers.

"Taking him out is a bit of a bonus, but they've got guys like [Stirling] Mortlock and [Matt] Giteau who can do as much damage out in the backline."

Muliaina and Foster were also impressed with the Brumbies' scrummaging during their 39-35 loss at Eden Park.

That set piece was a focus for the Chiefs during their bye week after the Reds and Crusaders effectively targeted the tight five before emerging victorious in Hamilton.

New Zealand Rugby Union scrum coach Mike Cron was at training on Monday, although Foster emphasised it was a pre-arranged visit.

"We have dipped a bit in the last couple of weeks though we haven't got a big mountain to climb in terms of our set piece," he said.

Ben Afeaki has been promoted to start at tighthead, a reflection of Nathan White's heavy workload, while Culum Retallick returns from injury to partner Craig Clarke in the second row.

Although the Chiefs are on a two-match losing streak, they sit sixth - two points outside the top four and a point behind the Brumbies.

Foster said: "We're in a pretty good position but we know now is the time to lift our game in areas where we have been below par."

Canberra, 9.40pm tomorrow

BRUMBIES
A. Ashley-Cooper
Pat McCabe
Stirling Mortlock
Matt Giteau
Francis Fainifo
Matt Toomua
Josh Valentine
Stephen Hoiles (c)
Michael Hooper
Rocky Elsom
Mitchell Chapman
Ben Hand
Salesi Ma'afu
Stephen Moore
Ben Alexander

CHIEFS
Mils Muliaina (c)
Lelia Masaga
Richard Kahui
Jackson Willison
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Stephen Donald
Brendon Leonard
Sione Lauaki
Tanerau Latimer
Liam Messam
Culum Retallick
Craig Clarke
Ben Afeaki
A. de Malmanche
Sona Taumalolo

Brumbies: Huia Edmonds, Guy Shepherdson, Mark Chisholm, Colby Faingaa, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Julian Huxley.

Chiefs: Hika Elliot, Nathan White, Jarrad Hoeata, Luke Braid, Junior Poluleuligaga, Mike Delany, Tim Nanai-Williams.

- NZPA