Loose forward Liam Messam has been named to lead the Chiefs in their opening Super 14 rugby match against the Sharks in Durban on Sunday morning.
Messam, no stranger to the role of captain, steps in for Sione Lauaki who has been ruled out of the match due to an abscess on his arm.
Coach Ian Foster says Lauaki's arm had to be drained on Thursday and while he is feeling better, he's not going to be ready for the game.
Messam will play at number six, supported by Colin Bourke at number eight and Tanerau Latimer at openside flanker.
In the backs Foster has opted for the midfield combination of Jackson Willison at second five-eighth with Richard Kahui at centre. Dwayne Sweeney gets to start on the right wing, Sitiveni Sivivatu on the left wing and Mike Delany at fullback.
Hot humid conditions are expected for the match at Kings Park.
Chiefs:
1. Sona Taumalolo, 2. Aled de Malmanche, 3. Nathan White, 4. Craig Clarke, 5. Kevin O'Neill, 6. Liam Messam (captain), 7. Tanerau Latimer, 8. Colin Bourke, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Stephen Donald, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 12. Jackson Willison, 13. Richard Kahui, 14. Dwayne Sweeney, 15. Mike Delany
Reserves: 16. Hika Elliot, 17. Ben Afeaki, 18. James McGougan, 19. Culum Retallick, 20. Jarrad Hoeata, 21. Junior Poluleuligaga, 22. Tim Nanai-Williams
