“This tour has been very frustrating from an injury perspective, with this week being particularly hard for our medical staff.  However, the team is getting more settled as the week goes on and we are certainly looking forward to Saturday night’s match (5.10am Sunday morning NZ time).”

“With seven wins already in this competition we know we can perform at the top level but the amount of significant injuries has again been a concern.  We take confidence from those past performances and are determined to give it everything this weekend.”

In the forwards Tom Willis returns as hooker supported by props Aled de Malmanche and Ben Castle. Meanwhile, Jono Gibbes gets a starting spot at lock this week pairing with Kevin O’Neill. 

Number eight Sione Lauaki, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained last weekend against the Lions, is bracketed with loose forwards Hayden Hopgood and Faifili Levave. 

In the backs, Brendon Leonard, who only arrived in South Africa earlier this week, returns to wear the number nine jersey and will combine with Stephen Donald at first five-eighth.  Mils Muliaina will start at centre with Sosene Anesi at fullback.  Sitiveni Sivivatu, who is still recovering from an ankle injury, is bracketed with Viliame Waqaseduadua.

The Chiefs team to play the Sharks on Sunday 18 May at 5.10am (NZ time) at Absa Stadium in Durban is:
Aled de Malmanche
Tom Willis
Ben Castle
Jono Gibbes
Kevin O’Neill
Liam Messam
Tanerau Latimer
Sione Lauaki/Hayden Hopgood/Faifili Levave
Brendon Leonard
Stephen Donald
Sitiveni Sivivatu/Viliame Waqaseduadua
Callum Bruce
Mils Muliaina (capt)
Lelia Masaga  
Sosene Anesi

Reserves:
John Paeranga
Nathan White
Toby Lynn
Sione Lauaki/Hayden Hopgood/Faifili Levave
Jamie Nutbrown
Dwayne Sweeney
Viliame Waqaseduadua/Murray Williams