28 Mar 2013

Just one change to Blues side to face Chiefs

6:50 pm on 28 March 2013

The Blues coach Sir John Kirwan has made just one injury-enforced change to the starting XV for Saturday's match against the Chiefs in Mount Maunganui.

Angus Ta'avao will start at tighthead prop in place of Charlie Faumuina who tore his right calf against the Waratahs last week and is expected to be out of action for at least eight weeks.

The former New Zealand Under-20 prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi is poised to make his Super Rugby debut after being named on the bench.

After consecutive losses against the Bulls and Waratahs, Kirwan says it's important for his side to rediscover their excitement levels and start playing a high tempo, high impact game.

Kirwan believes playing against the defending champions will bring out the best in his young team.

Starting XV

15. Charles Piutau

14. Frank Halai

13. Rene Ranger

12. Francis Saili

11. George Moala

10. Chris Noakes

9. Piri Weepu

8. Peter Saili

7. Luke Braid

6. Steven Luatua

5. Ali Williams (C)

4. Culum Retallick

3. Angus Ta'avao

2. James Parsons

1. Tom McCartney

Reserves

16. Quentin MacDonald

17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi

18. Anthony Boric

19. Brendon O'Connor

20. Jamison Gibson-Park

21. Baden Kerr

22. Jackson Willison