Double blow for Chiefs softened
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Outside backs Tom Marshall and Tim Nanai-Williams have been ruled out of the Chiefs team for their Super Rugby home match against the high-flying Brumbies in New Plymouth on Friday.
But that is expected to be offset by the return of All Blacks Aaron Cruden, Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam – even if they might not all make the starting XV.
Head coach Dave Rennie said Monday fullback Marshall had a "bit of a bung knee" from last Saturday's away win over the Blues and with a host of fit options it was not worth risking him.
"He probably could have gritted his teeth and got through it but we've got a lot of fit guys at the moment so it's an opportunity to bring some other guys in," Rennie said.
Nanai-Williams was selected to start on the wing for the Chiefs against the Blues but a calf injury, initially suffered playing for Samoa in the Wellington Sevens and then aggravated at training, didn't come right and he was a late scratching.
"We were sort of hoping he'd be available this week but he won't be, but should be right by next week."
Sonny Bill Williams sat out training Monday with a tight top of his calf but was expected to train fully Tuesday, while Rennie said he was confident tighthead prop Ben Tameifuna would be available after being a late withdrawal from the opening match due to illness.
Other backs available this week include former All Black winger Hosea Gear and up-and-coming centre Seta Tamanivalu.
Rennie said it was good to have the experienced All Blacks coming back for this week's match against a Brumbies side that "had the wood on us last year" but they would not all necessarily start after some strong individual performances by backup players last weekend.
"They're incredibly enthusiastic, they're obviously a big part of our leadership and are really excited about being back.
"There's no guarantee that they'll all start. Obviously we name our team in 24 hours and we'll be a bit clearer then, but we were certainly happy with some positions and would like to give those guys another crack.
"You may find one or two of them come off the bench but we'll sort that out tomorrow," he said.
Waikato Times
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