Chiefs name strong side
February 21, 2002

The Chiefs will be near to full strength for Saturday's opening Super 12 clash against the Waratahs in Rotorua.

Former All Blacks lock Royce Willis (pictured) was not considered for selection due to a knee injury, as was loose-forward Scott Couch. The squad is also missing All Blacks lock Mark Cooksley, who will miss the entire competition due to a neck injury.

Hooker Keven Mealamu will make his Super 12 debut, while Keith Robinson and Kristian Ormsby form a relatively inexperienced second-row. Experienced Bay of Plenty lock Mark Weedon was surprisingly named on the bench.

"The Australian teams will have a point to prove in this year's competition, while we need to get points early as most of our home games fall at the end of Super 12," team manager Doug Wilson said.

"Rotorua treated us well last year and we had three wins there. We want to do well again for ourselves and our supporters."

Chiefs: Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Mark Ranby, Bruce Reihana, Glen Jackson, Rhys Duggan, Deon Muir (capt), Marty Holah, Jonno Gibbes, Keith Robinson, Kristian Ormsby, David Briggs, Keven Maelamu, Deacon Manu. Substitutes: Wayne McEntee, Mark Weedon, Michael Collins, Guy Coleman, Loki Crichton, David Hill, Danny Lee

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