Rugby: Leonard returns to Chiefs' backline

Brendon Leonard came through training unscathed yesterday. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Captain Mils Muliaina and centre Richard Kahui have been wrapped in cotton wool but halfback Brendon Leonard will return for a Chiefs side that should be at full strength for their crucial Super 14 Friday night showdown with the Brumbies in Hamilton.

Leonard has not played since injuring his sternum against the Cheetahs in round 10 in Kimberley but the halfback got through yesterday's training session without a hitch.

"Brendon trained well so he is looking very likely," coach Ian Foster said.

Muliaina had been experiencing some stiffness in his troublesome back and was being rested as a precaution.

The biggest concern was over Kahui, who had been cleared of serious damage to his bruised calf but was still a doubt for a match in which both teams can advance their playoff claims - or be eliminated altogether.

"He didn't train [yesterday] and is unlikely to train today," Foster said. "He is about a 60-40 prospect of playing on Friday."

A single bonus point would almost certainly guarantee the Chiefs a semifinal place but, having strung together a run of eight wins in nine matches, they will harbour far greater ambitions. Their goal will be to take five points from the match and, if they do so, only a bonus-point win by the Bulls against the Sharks in Durban could knock them off top spot.

For the Brumbies, the scenario is simple. They need to win with a bonus point and ensure the Chiefs get nothing. That would put them ahead of the Chiefs and in the box seat.

Final placings will depend on what happens later in the round but Foster said he was comfortable with the Chiefs being first up on Friday night.

"I love it. I think it is easier to go in first up. For the Brumbies the formula for this game is pretty simple - they need to get five points and for us to get nought.

"In some ways it is nice that we can go in with an equally simple focus. We know clearly there are lots of rewards if we can get the result we want but it is also really important we go out and keep focusing on what we are doing well."

Both teams name their sides today.