Sonny Bill Williams will again be in the reserves in his second game of rugby after his switch back from league.
Williams came off the bench for the final quarter of Counties Manukau’s 41-18 national provincial championship win over Auckland in Pukekohe on Wednesday night.
He will again wear the No.22 jersey when the Steelers are away to confirmed Premiership home semi-finalists Tasman on Sunday.
The dual international made a solid return to the 15-man game against Auckland in replacing Bundee Aki at inside centre.
However, after the match, coach Tana Umaga indicated a reluctance to break up the in-form starting midfield combination of Aki and Rey Lee-Lo.
Uncapped halfback Augustine Pulu, who has been called into the All Blacks, will captain the Steelers before travelling to Brisbane ahead of the third and final Bledisloe Cup Test.
Counties Manukau sit fifth ahead ahead of the final round of NPC matches and still have a slim chance of making the play-offs.
However, they need Auckland to fail to get a bonus-point win over second-tier Northland on Saturday.
Old Bugger
Guest
ABOS Are you a Chiefs supporter mate?? If yes, then we should be in for a great SR comp next year...can't wait.
All Bent Out of Shape
Guest
His game against Tasman for Counties was the worst game Ive ever seen him play.
All Bent Out of Shape
Guest
Haters gonna hate.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Aki is Irish apparently!
Winston
Guest
Didn't know that. cheers. I'm pretty sure gear is locked in
c smith
Guest
Looked good against Japan that's about it what world cup did you watch he was no factor for abs in winning world cup zero zilch
c smith
Guest
He had no impact at world cup in major games
tinman
Guest
Yeah fair point... I think if circumstances were ripe for that backline combination, the opposition would be nervous!
Kuruki
Roar Guru
I hope Sonny understands that making the World cup 23 is an achievement. IMO he needs to come to terms with the fact he only needs to play his role well (where ever it be in the 23) to be a world cup hero. There seemed to be a little disappointment from his camp that he did not play a large role in the last one, for me an impact role off the bench is just as valuable to us as the guy who starts the game.
ChanWee
Guest
Auckland have made it to the next round, so might as well get him on the park at half time and give some match practice. he needs to play toget the motor skills working in actual match situ.
ChanWee
Guest
in NZ he is good at best. I would bet on Pita Ahki to come great in a couple of years. Already with 7S team last year.
ChanWee
Guest
No Kahui or Robbie Freuen. Chiefs have gone for a young big fijian as their other center. (6' 2" 105kg - only slightly smaller than SBW :) ) its left to be seen if Gear will come back and join chiefs as they have said Masaga is not leaving Japan. need to replace Tikiritoma.
ChanWee
Guest
Gus Pulu started last year, but lost the place after an injury. He was the form scrumhalf at the beginning of super 2014.
john
Guest
Shows the depth of NZ Rugby. Aki is a fantastic player..
Aaron
Guest
Really? I thought Rennie said he wasn't coming back?
Winston
Guest
I heard Kahui might still be there next year
All Bent Out of Shape
Guest
I wouldnt leave Smith out just yet either but Id love to see that team play.
tinman
Guest
ABOS I wouldn't get rid of Mr depenable CSmith. He still has fire in the belly! I'll take structure and leadership over flashy and inexperience any day of the week including Sunday breakfast. FYI huge SBW fan but not enough to leave C Smith out.
All Bent Out of Shape
Guest
So pleased to see him back. Great defender, great offloader, great ball-carrier and much improved ball distributor and playmaker. Best 12 in the world and unique in terms of skillset imo. I wish Fekitoa was at the Chiefs because they would and will be deadly. 9) A.Smith 10) Cruden 11) Savea 12) SBW 13) Fekitoa 14) Piutau 15) B.Smith 21) Pulu 22) Barrett 23) Crotty ...yes please
Old Bugger
Guest
There's no hurry to get SBW on the paddock....coming off the bench is the way to go for this re-introduction phase what with learning all the plays, calls and getting used to his team mates. As for Pulu - congrats on the call-up....no need for the Chiefs to worry next year with TKB on the rehab list.