Chiefs throw in wildcards for playoffs

The Chiefs have thrown a couple of wildcards into the mix for their Super Rugby playoff against the Highlanders tomorrow.

The selection of in‑form No 8 Michael Leitch on the bench and lock Mike FitzGerald on the blindside flank, along with Andrew Horrell at first five‑eighths ahead of either of the McKenzie brothers, are the major talking points.

Leitch, the New Zealand‑born Japan captain, has been a fixture in the Chiefs' loose forwards in their last 12 games. The majority of that has been at No 8, although he shifted to the openside flank last week to fill in for the rested Sam Cane, who is back this week.

Leitch has been a revelation at the back of the Chiefs' scrum with a massive workrate, mobility, physicality and an outstanding lineout ability which has seen him win 22 lineouts in 12 appearances.

A knockout match seems an odd time to rest Leitch but Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie says the player was being rested as they try to change things up.

The Chiefs will face the Highlanders at 7.35pm tomorrow while the Brumbies will take on the Stormers at 3.05am Sunday.

Source: stuff.co.nz