Thursday Round-Up

SBW back in SR: The moment many Chiefs fans have been waiting for is finally upon us, as star midfielder Sonny Bill Williams is named in the centre for the Super Rugby side’s opening game of this year’s championship. Williams, who was on a two year hiatus from the 15 a side version of the game, returning to his beloved rugby league, will join Charlie Ngatai in an exciting looking centre partnership. Having recently also succeeded in maintaining his unbeaten record in the boxing ring, many a rugby fan will be delighted to see Williams getting back to doing what he does best on a regular basis for the Chiefs, as their side line out against the Blues at QBE Stadium this weekend, with just under 7 months until the opening game of this year’s showpiece event, the Rugby World Cup in England. Outside of Williams, James Lowe, Tom Marshall and Tim Nanai-Williams make up the back three while Brad Weber and New Zealand Under 20’s star Damian McKenzie, form a new look halfback pairing. Upfront, Mike Symons will continue to captain the side from the second row, while Hika Elliot returns to Super Rugby to pack down alongside Pauliasi Manu and Ben Tameifuna. Sam Cane will make his 51st appearance for the Chiefs in a new look backrow, combining with debutants Johan Bardoul and Maama Vaipulu.

Just the one for PSA: After a stuttering but victorious start to his side’s Six Nations campaign against Scotland last weekend, French head coach Philippe Saint-Andre has surprisingly made just one alteration to his squad for the journey to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this weekend. The solitary change for the former Sale and Toulon head coach is an enforced one and comes on the bench, with Alexandre Menini being replaced by Clermont Auvergne’s giant Belgian born Vincent Debaty, after the former picked up a foot injury during their 15-8 victory at the Stade de France last time out. Elsewhere, the French remain unchanged for what is always a hugely physical and entertaining encounter between two sides looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the Championship after opening round victories. Blindside flanker Thierry Dusaitoir will captain the side from the pack.

Ryan Sheady