Coach Dave Rennie is confident the Chiefs’ ongoing injury concerns will not derail their Super Rugby playoff hopes.
Rennie named a reshuffled line-up for the clash with the Western Force at Pukekohe on Friday after centre Tim Nanai-Williams was ruled out with a groin injury and five-eighth Aaron Cruden and wing Asaeli Tikoirotuma were benched after starting every game so far this season.
Nanai-Williams, who is replaced by Save Tokula this week, has been managing his groin problem for a couple of years now but aggravated the injury in the win against the Melbourne Rebels.
It put a further dent in the Chiefs’ already thin midfield stocks that are missing Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Andrew Horrell (ankle) long-term and Charlie Ngatai (hamstring) this week.
But the return of fullback Robbie Robinson (groin), halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow (broken jaw) and prop Ben Afeaki (ankle) from injury for the defending champions has Rennie feeling positive.
“It’s pretty similar to last year to be honest. We had quite a lot of injuries early on and when we got to the business end of the year we had pretty much a full squad to pick from,” he said.
“If you want to win a championship you can’t do it with 15 guys. Our depth has been tested at various times but ultimately it’s good for us.”
Afeaki’s return to an all-new front row is a big plus for the Chiefs. He was in strong form before damaging his ankle and his powerful carries and big defence will be important against a dogged Force side.
Robinson’s inclusion allows Rennie to finally start Gareth Anscombe at first five-eighth.
“We’ve talked a number of times about giving Gareth a crack at 10,” said Rennie. “But with the other injuries we’ve had within the squad that made it very difficult.”
Anscombe, wing Lelia Masaga and inside centre Bundee Aki are the only backs remaining in the XV from last week. Patrick Osborne replaces Tikoirotuma on the wing.
But Rennie says the number of changes are not a reflection on their opponents.
“There is certainly no lack of respect for the Force. We’re putting out a team that we think is good enough to win,” he said.
