News

Five Counties Manukau Steelers, head coach Tai Lavea, trainer Jed Knox and physio Jarrod Stevenson have all been named to the Chiefs Development side to tackle their Blues counterparts on Saturday.

Lavea will act as the side’s head coach of the combination side to tackle the Blues at 4.25pm at FMG Stadium in Hamilton ahead of the Super Rugby Aotearoa clash.

Prop Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Ardmore Marist) and loose forward Viliami Taulani (Manurewa) have been named to start the match while loose forwards Sam Slade (Pukekohe) and Alamanda Motuga (Ardmore Marist) will come off the bench.

Midfield back Amanaki Sevieti has linked up Karaka after moving back from Japan this season and will also come off the bench.

The Chiefs tackle the Blues in Super Rugby action from 7.05pm with Steelers’ All Blacks stars Nepo Laulala and Dalton Papali’i both in action for the Blues.

Etene Nanai-Seturo is out with a hamstring injury for the Chiefs.