Smith on bench for Chiefs clash

The Highlanders have been as good as their word to rising halfback Folau Fakatava.

Coach Tony Brown indicated before the season started that Fakatava would get his chance this year and has named Fakatava to start with Josh Ioane at No 10 for the clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton tomorrow.

That means a bench spot for All Blacks No 9 Aaron Smith, who announced on Tuesday that he has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby until the 2023 World Cup.

Smith is possibly a touch short of match fitness and was replaced after 57 minutes in the season opener, against the Crusaders, with Fakatava impressing during his time on the paddock.

Ioane also looked good during his 31 minutes off the bench against the Crusaders, showing a clever short kicking game as Mitch Hunt moved to fullback.

Hunt starts at No 15 this week, with former Chief Solomon Alaimalo moved to the bench.

Fakatava’s promotion comes as the Highlanders try to lock down the talented 21-year-old to a longerterm deal in Dunedin.

Up front, the Highlanders have largely stuck with the side that lost 26-13 to the Crusaders, although athletic lock Manaaki Selby-rickit has been recalled to the 23 in place of Bryn Evans and will start on the bench.

Meanwhile, Bryn Gatland has been thrown the No 10 jersey for his Chiefs debut and wants to make the role his own after returning home.

The first five-eighth, born and raised in Waikato, is one of five debutants new Chiefs coach Clay

ton Mcmillan has selected for their season opener, against the Highlanders, one of Gatland’s former sides.

The other four poised for debuts in Hamilton are former Blues prop Sione Mafileo as starting tighthead, replacement player Samipeni Finau is a surprise pick at blindside flanker, former Hurricane Jonah Lowe starts on the right wing, and Xavier Roe is the reserve halfback ahead of the injured Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi.

Some of Mcmillan’s first selections have been affected by pre-season injuries, including a knee injury for first-five Kaleb Trask, but Gatland has been earmarked as the Chiefs’ next No 10 after joining on a three-year deal in the summer.

All Black Damian Mckenzie has been kept at fullback after a flirtation with him being returned to first-five, although he could play there without a recognised No 10 on the bench for the visit of the Highlanders.