6 Jul 2016

Retallick rested, Messam returns for Chiefs

3:42 pm on 6 July 2016

Lock Brodie Retallick is being rested for the Chiefs match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane following a heavy workload with the Super Rugby leaders and the All Blacks.

Brodie Retallick

Brodie Retallick Photo: Photosport

After reclaiming the top spot in the New Zealand conference following their 23-13 win over the Crusaders in Suva, the Chiefs head to Brisbane for the penultimate week of the Super Rugby competition.

The Reds sit in second to last in the Australian conference, giving Chiefs coach Dave Rennie the chance to rest Retallick ahead of the playoffs in three weeks time.

Taleni Seu will start alongside Dominic Bird in place of Retallick.

In another move, co-captain Sam Cane has been shifted from the number seven to number eight jersey for the match, with Lachland Boshier starting at blinside.

The Chiefs back line has also undergone a reshuffle with Aaron Cruden back in the number 10 jersey in place of Stephen Donald while Tawera Kerr-Barlow will start at halfback.

Making his return to the Chiefs is Liam Messam who missed out on selection in the Olympic Sevens squad.

Messam has been named on the bench.

-RNZ