Rugby: Muliaina back to lead Chiefs

Captain Mils Muliaina returns from injury to lead the Chiefs from fullback in their Super 14 rugby match against the Highlanders in Invercargill on Saturday.

All Blacks veteran Muliaina has recovered from a back strain that saw him miss their last three matches, including the 31-13 defeat of the Force in Hamilton last weekend, their first win of the season.

He replaces the injured Sosene Anesi at fullback while reclaiming the skipper's armband from flanker Liam Messam.

There are five changes in total from last week, including three others in the backline.

Southland back James Wilson will make his Chiefs debut on the wing in place of All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu, who has an injured shoulder.

Jackson Willison replaces Callum Bruce at second five-eighth while Toby Morland pushes halfback Brendon Leonard to the reserve bench in a surprise selection.

The only change up front sees Sona Taumalolo return at prop, with Ben May moving from loosehead to tighthead and James McGougan dropping to the reserve bench.

Chiefs
Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Jackson Willison, James Wilson, Stephen Donald, Toby Morland, Liam Messam, Serge Lilo, Tanerau Latimer, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Ben May, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo.

Reserves: Hika Elliot, James McGougan, Mark Burman, Sione Lauaki/Colin Bourke, Brendon Leonard, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney

- NZPA