Rugby: Sweeney eager for clash with Hurricanes' deadly duo

Chiefs' centre Dwayne Sweeney has the task of marking the All Blacks' midfield duo. Photo / Getty Images

Dwayne Sweeney admits being nervous about filling Richard Kahui's boots tomorrow night.

Given that he'll be tasked with shutting down the Hurricanes' All Blacks midfield duo in the biggest match in Chiefs history, who can blame him?

"There are definitely some nerves there, the key for me is to channel them into positive energy," Sweeney said. "I just want to really enjoy the occasion and make the most of my opportunities."

Unlikely to crack the first choice lineup at any New Zealand franchise, Sweeney is nonetheless a player every coach would covet for his squad. A super-utility, he is capable of covering every position from second five-eighths out.

Making the most of his opportunities is something at which Sweeney has excelled this season.

Deputising for injured winger Sitiveni Sivivatu mid-season, Sweeney scored four tries in two matches, including a crucial hat-trick in the comeback against the Lions.

He was a steady presence on the successful tour of South Africa and then, when Kahui was a late scratching last week against the Brumbies, he filled in seamlessly, shutting down Stirling Mortlock in the process.

Even so, with Sweeney partnering Callum Bruce against Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu - the competition's leading try-scorer - only a diehard Chiefs' fan would argue against the Hurricanes possessing a significant edge in midfield.

While he has plenty of respect for his All Black opposites, Sweeney is far from overwhelmed by the challenge.

"The biggest thing for us is to not get caught up too much in what they are going to do. Obviously we'll be on our toes, they are both class players. We will have to defend well but we want to take the game to them a bit."

Having failed to make progress in his recovery from a nagging calf injury picked up in the round 13 clash between the teams, Kahui was ruled out early this week. He is one of three omissions from the side that squeaked past the Brumbies 10-7 to earn home advantage for tomorrow night's semifinal.

The other two were also injury-related, with halfback Brendon Leonard (hamstring) and prop Ben May both unavailable.

Sona Taumalolo has been promoted to the starting lineup in place of May, while Toby Morland returns at halfback, a role he filled for an extended period when Leonard was out with a sternum injury.

Little-seen Bay of Plenty prop Joe Savage and wider training group halfback David Bason have been added to the bench.

"It's disappointing for [Kahui] but it was important for the team that we made an early decision," coach Ian Foster said.

"We have got three guys out but the three guys that come in have played well for us and we wanted to be as settled as possible as early as possible this week."

The Hurricanes have resisted the chance to recall All Blacks winger Hosea Gear, who has been playing club rugby for the past three weeks after recovering from a knee injury.

Coach Colin Cooper has named the same 22 that beat the Reds 37-28 in Brisbane last weekend.

The side contains only one change from that which lost 16-8 to the Chiefs in Hamilton in round 13, with flanker Karl Lowe displacing Faifili Levave on the bench.

Openside flanker Scott Waldrom did not train yesterday because of a foot niggle but has been named to start.

Chiefs
Mils Muliaina (captain), Lelia Masaga, Dwayne Sweeney, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Toby Morland, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, James McGougan, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo.

Reserves: Hika Elliot, Joe Savage, Toby Lynn, Serge Lilo, David Bason, Mike Delany, Sosene Anesi

Hurricanes
Cory Jane, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, David Smith, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (captain), Scott Waldrom, Victor Vito, Jason Eaton, Jeremy Thrush, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger.

Reserves: Ged Robinson, Jacob Ellison, Bryn Evans, Karl Lowe, Alby Mathewson, Jason Kawau, Zac Guildford.