Jono Gibbes is named to start at lock alongside Keith Robinson when the Chiefs take on the Western Force in Hamilton this Saturday afternoon in round eleven of the Rebel Sport Super 14.

Gibbes’ return to the starting line-up will see him captain the Chiefs side. The last time Gibbes captained the Chiefs this season was in round two of the competition.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster says Gibbes was solid for two weeks while coming off the bench, and now expects him to have a physical start to this weekend’s match.

“His return is a positive for him and for us.”

In the loose forwards, Foster has opted for a different combination from last week.

Against the Western Force Tanerau Latimer will start at openside flanker, Liam Messam at blindside and Sione Lauaki remains at number eight. Steven Bates is in the reserves.

“The two changes in the loose forwards are based on Marty (Holah) and Bates having tough games over the last two weeks. Liam and Lats (Latimer) have also come off good games in recent weeks – it is a matter of rotation,” says Foster.

“This is a tough call, particularly on Marty. But he has been battered in his last two games where he has played very well. It is great to be in a position that we can rest him this week and still have someone who can replace him. We have confidence in Tanerau’s ability to perform well.”

In the backs Tasesa Lavea returns to second five-eighth after recovering from a knee strain. And Dwayne Sweeney gets the nod to start at centre.

“Tasesa’s return is positive as it enables us to continue with the combination he has built with Stephen Donald over recent matches. And Dwayne’s performance off the bench in the midfield last weekend sees him earn a starting position this week,” says Foster.

“The Western Force game is another important mach for us and we’ve had a few of them lately.”

“I guess the way we are approaching this match shows we are prepared to make a few changes for this match on the basis there is a lot of rugby still to come. We want our players to be one hundred percent fit and rearing to go for what we think will be a very physical game at the breakdown,” says Foster.

The Chiefs play the Western Force on Saturday 14 April in round 11 of the Rebel Sport Super 14 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. Kick off is 2.35pm.

The Chiefs team for this fixture is:
1. Aled de Malmanche
2. Tom Willis
3. Nathan White
4. Jono Gibbes (captain)
5. Keith Robinson
6. Liam Messam
7. Tanerau Latimer
8. Sione Lauaki
9. Byron Kelleher
10. Stephen Donald
11. Roy Kinikinilau
12. Tasesa Lavea
13. Dwayne Sweeney
14. Lelia Masaga
15. Sitiveni Sivivatu



16. Simms Davison, 17. Ben Castle, 18. Kristian Ormsby, 19. Steven Bates, 20. Brendon Leonard, 21. Tane Tu’ipulotu. 22. Jared Payne.