22 Feb 2013

Sport: Tikoirotuma says defending title will be tough

11:19 am on 22 February 2013

The Chiefs begin their Super Rugby title defence on Friday evening, a task winger Asaeli Tikoirotuma admits is a big ask.

Despite losing Sonny Bill Williams they have retained 24 of the squad which won the competition last year.

Fiji-born winger Tikoirotuma crossed for seven tries during his debut campaign.

The 26 year old says while he's feeling more confident in his own abilities this year, the increased expectations on the team provide a new challenge.

"Personally, it's going to be a hell of a weight, it's going to be a big weight on our shoulders, since we've got the title and defending it, for me, is going to be hard. But we've just got to be on our toes and keep trucking."