Kahui back to boost Chiefs' midfield
May 28 2009
Centre Richard Kahui returns from injury in the only change to the Chiefs' team for Saturday's Super 14 Final against the Bulls in Pretoria.
The All Blacks midfielder was named by coach Ian Foster after overcoming a calf muscle strain which ruled him out of their semi-final victory over the Hurricanes.
Kahui replaces Sitiveni Sivivatu, who was ruled out of the final with a dislocated shoulder suffered against the Hurricanes. Dwayne Sweeney shifts out a spot from centre to Sivivatu's left wing position.
In-form flanker Liam Messam will play his 50th Super Rugby match for the Chiefs who are making their first appearance in a final.
"The team is excited by the occasion at Loftus," said Foster.
"We travelled well, we are all looking forward to being in a final, and we'll be ready for the task ahead."
Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (c), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Dwayne Sweeney, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Toby Morland; 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Kevin O'Neill, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 James McGougan, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Joe Savage, 18 Toby Lynn, 19 Serge Lilo, 20 David Bason, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Sosene Anesi.
Date: Saturday, May 30
Kick-off: 17:30 (GMT 15.30)
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Touch Judges: Craig Joubert, Cobus Wessels.
TMO: Johann Meuwesen.