Ngatai poised for Chiefs comeback
Christopher Reive
Chiefs utility back and co-captain Charlie Ngatai is set for his first Super Rugby action since week two when his side host the Highlanders tomorrow night.
Ngatai, who injured a knee in the Chiefs’ loss to the Crusaders on February 24, was named to make a return from the bench in the No 23 jersey.
“We possibly could have had him in earlier,” forwards coach Neil Barnes said, “but we’ve had a bit of a policy this year to give people an extra week to make sure they’re right.”
The 27-year-old was one of several changes made to the side that decimated the Sunwolves in Japan last weekend.
Liam Messam is starting at blindside, Brad Weber is returning at halfback and Sean Wainui is lining up on the wing, pushing Solomon Alaimalo to fullback.
Lock Tyler Ardron maintains his spot in the second row alongside Brodie Retallick after a massive performance against the Sunwolves, while Taranaki loose forward PitaGus Sowakula is in the reserves and in line for a Super Rugby debut.
Having played in the backline before coming to New Zealand from Fiji, Sowakula was young to the sport but was beginning to find his position in the loose forwards.
Barnes said his skillset for a loose forward covering lock set him aside from others.
“He’s certainly an explosive player, so we’re about to find out what he can give,” Barnes said. “He’s earned his stripes. He played bloody well in the Mitre 10 Cup.”
Lachlan Boshier, Marty McKenzie and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi move back to the bench.
The fixture is the Chiefs’ first at home against a New Zealand team and will see co-captain Sam Cane bring up his 100th game for the team.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger, meanwhile, has responded to his team’s first loss of the season by making four starting changes and a host of bench tweaks.
Injury has accounted for one change, with hooker Liam Coltman sidelined by concussion. Co-captain Ash Dixon will start in his place.
Other changes from the side that lost 29-12 to the Hurricanes involve promotions for centre Matt Faddes, lock Josh Dickson and prop Siate Tokolahi.
They take the respective places of Teihorangi Walden, Tom Franklin and Tyrel Lomax. Rob Thompson shifts from centre to second fiveeighth to cater for the speedy Faddes.
The bench is overhauled, with hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate and backs Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith and Patelesio Tomkinson not involved with the loss in Wellington.
Mauger insists little should be read into the switches.
He said Dickson warrants a first appearance of the season after some impressive performances for the Highlanders A team.