19 Mar 2009

Chiefs welcome back key players for Blues clash

6:15 pm on 19 March 2009

The Chiefs have received a timely boost for their clash against the leading New Zealand Super 14 rugby side the Blues in Hamilton on Saturday night, with the return of three key players.

All Blacks Sitiveni Sitivatu and halfback Brendon Leonard, along with former All Blacks loose foward Sione Lauaki are all back from injury.

The Chiefs are eighth on the competition ladder with Blues fourth, but Blues coach Pat Lam is well aware only four points separate the sides and feels the Chiefs are showing signs of coming right.

He's wary too of the speed of the Chiefs backline, which boasts Sivivatu, Masaga and Muliaina and says they'll have to keep awake defensively.

Meanwhile the All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock will return to the Blues after missing last weekend's match against the Cheetahs because of an ear infection.