Rugby: Sonny Bill to miss Highlanders clash

Sonny Bill Williams will miss the Chiefs second pre-season match against the Highlanders in Queenstown tomorrow but will suit up for their final hit-out against the Hurricanes next weekend.

The All Black utility won his bout against American Clarence Tillman on Wednesday night to claim the New Zealand heavyweight boxing belt but can now focus on rugby.

Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam will miss both games against the Highlanders and Hurricanes due to a calf muscle injury but is expected to be available for the first round of Super Rugby when the Chiefs play the Highlanders at Waikato Stadium in two weeks.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was happy with last week's 36-0 win over the Rebels in Geelong, but he knows tomorrow's match will be a much tougher encounter.

Chiefs squad to play the Highlanders in Queenstown (kick-off at 5pm): Ben Afeaki, Sam Cane, Craig Clarke, Shane Cleaver, Aaron Cruden, Marcel Cumming-Tonne, Mike Fitzgerald, Rory Grice, Andrew Horrell, Richard Kahui, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tanerau Latimer, Fritz Lee, Brendon Leonard, Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga, Maritino Nemani, Ronald Raaymakers, Brodie Retallick, Robbie Robinson, Mahonri Schwalger, Tony Smith, Ben Tameifuna, Sona Taumalolo, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Kane Thompson, Scott Waldrom, Jackson Willison.

 

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