Rugby: Lauaki to start for Chiefs

Chiefs No 8 Sione Lauaki admitted assault charges in a Hamilton court yesterday. Photo / Christine Cornege

The focus reverts to Sione Lauaki's on-field exploits in Canberra on Friday night after the troubled former All Black loose forward was restored to the Chiefs line-up for their Super 14 rugby assignment against the Brumbies.

Lauaki, who admitted assault charges when appearing in a Hamilton court yesterday, has been named at No 8 for the round seven clash at Canberra Stadium as the Chiefs start an all-international loose trio also featuring Tanerau Latimer and Liam Messam.

Lauaki, whose difficult start to the season had already been complicated by suspension and injury, replaces Colin Bourke, who started at the back of the scrum in the 19-26 loss to the Crusaders in round five.

In other changes, Ben Afeaki starts at tighthead prop ahead of Nathan White while Culum Retallick returns to the second row to partner Craig Clarke.

In the backline, Jackson Willison replaces Callum Bruce at second five-eighth.

One the bench, All Black hooker Hika Elliot has recovered from a hamstring strain while fullback Tim Nanai-Williams also returns to the reserves.

The Chiefs are sixth, two points outside the top four, after having the bye last weekend - a rest coach Ian Foster described as timely.

"We've enjoyed the break. We've been given plenty of time to hone up on some areas of our game that we want to grow in and we're now looking forward to the next phase of this championship," he said.

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

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

- NZPA