Sowakula named to start at No.8 for the Chiefs

Fiji born, Pita Gus Sowakula will again start for the Chiefs at number 8 when they face the high flying Blues in the Super Rugby Aotearoa.

The Chiefs have made just two changes to their starting line-up from the team that suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Highlanders last week with veteran Aaron Cruden starting at first five-eighth.

All Blacks captain Sam Cane is still stuck on the sideline.

Cruden's promotion sees Kaleb Trask relegated to the bench.

Despite Cane saying he would return for the Chiefs this week after being benched by coach Warren Gatland over an ongoing injury issue, the loose forward has once again been scratched with the club noting a lower back strain as the reason.

It means halfback, Brad Weber will once again captain the side.

Gatland says the team wants to deliver a much-improved performance for their fans this week in what is their first home game of the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition.

The Blues will take on the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday while the Crusaders will face the Hurricanes at 3.35pm Sunday.

[Source: tvnv.co.nz]