Super Rugby
Latimer back among six Chiefs changes
February 27, 2014
Tanerau Latimer will make his return for the Chiefs © Getty Images
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The Chiefs welcome back flanker Tanerau Latimer in one of six changes to their starting 15 to face the Highlanders in Hamilton on Saturday night. Latimer has got over a rolled ankle to bolster the Super Rugby champions, who have been battling a heavy injury toll.

Their side for the match at Waikato Stadium also features the inclusion of fullback Mils Muliaina, who left the field early during the Chiefs' 18-10 win over the Crusaders last Friday. Muliaina went off with an elbow injury and there were earlier doubts over his availability for this weekend.

Hooker Mahonri Schwalger makes his return from eye surgery, while lock Matt Symons comes in for Brodie Retallick, who clashed heads with teammate Ben Afeaki against the Crusaders.

In a reshuffled back row, Liam Messam shifts from blindside flanker to No.8 to replace Kane Thompson, who picked up an ankle injury in Christchurch. Nick Crosswell will come in at No.6.

First-choice halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow has got over a foot complaint to take over the No.9 jersey from Augustine Pulu, who himself has a knee injury. The other change is at loosehead prop, with Pauliasi Manu getting the nod over Jamie Mackintosh, who goes to the bench.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says he was impressed by the Highlanders' performance in their 29-21 win over the Blues.

"I was really impressed with the passion and the physicality that the Highlanders played with last week," he said. "I really felt they out-muscled and out-enthused the Blues."

Chiefs:Mils Muliaina; Tim Nanai-Williams, Robbie Fruean, Charlie Ngatai, Asaeli Tikoirotuma; Aaron Cruden, (captain), Tawera Kerr-Barlow; Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Nick Crosswell; Matt Symons, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna; Mahonri Schwalger, Pauliasi Manu. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Hohneck, Tevita Koloamatangi, Liam Squire, Brad Webber, Andrew Horrell, James Lowe

© AAP

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