Rugby: Muliaina to start for Chiefs

Chiefs skipper Mils Muliaina will start his Super 14 campaign with the Chiefs after three weeks on the sideline. Photo / Getty Images

Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu returns from injury as one of two changes in the Chiefs' Super 14 rugby side named today to face the Reds in Hamilton on Friday night.

Sivivatu comes back on to the left wing, having recovered from the shoulder strain he suffered in the 72-65 win over the Lions in Johannesburg two rounds ago.

Also back is skipper and fellow All Black Mils Muliaina, the fullback having been given the first three weeks off.

Their return means Dwayne Sweeney and Mike Delany drop to the bench.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster said there had been some hard selection decisions after the Chiefs came away from their three-match road trip with three wins.

"But we've decided to re-introduce Mils and Sitiveni to get them back involved as soon as possible," he said.

The Chiefs gained 14 points from their victories over the Sharks, the Lions and the Western Force to put them just one point behind competition leaders the Bulls.

Chiefs: Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Colin Bourke, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Culum Retallick, Romana Graham, Nathan White, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo.

Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Toby Smith, Jarrad Hoeata, Luke Braid, Junior Poluleuligaga, Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney.

- NZPA