SBW makes way in Blues team to face Chiefs
An injured Sonny Bill Williams has been replaced in one of five changes to the Blues' Super Rugby team to face the Chiefs at Eden Park.
All Blacks inside centre Williams injured his knee during the Blues' season-opening 41-34 loss to the Highlanders, ruling him out of Friday's derby.
Coach Tana Umaga says the 32-year-old's injury isn't serious and he's a likely candidate to fly out this weekend for two matches in South Africa.
TJ Faiane replaces Williams at No.12 in one of two changes to the backline.
The other is fullback Melani Nanai, who pushes Michael Collins to the bench.
Up front, All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu starts in place of Gerard Cowley-Tuioti while flanker Jimmy Tupou and prop Pauliasi Manu replace Glenn Preston and Alex Hodgman respectively.
Veteran All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino, who's confirmed his departure to France this year, is on the Blues bench after missing out last week due to injury.
Umaga said the changes didn't reflect dissatisfaction with the team's performance in Dunedin.
"Some lack of discipline proved very costly and we have addressed that this week," Umaga said.
"At the same time we did a lot of very good things."
The Blues are winless in 12 matches against other New Zealand Super Rugby teams.
Blues: Melani Nanai, Matt Duffie, George Moala, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Bryn Gatland, Augustine Pulu (capt), Akira Ioane, Murphy Taramai, Jimmy Tupou, Scott Scrafton, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, James Parsons, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Alex Hodgman, Michael Tamoaieta, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Jerome Kaino, Sam Nock, Daniel Kirkpatrick, Michael Collins.
