Despite injuries to his key players Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is confident with his Match 23 squad that faces the Fijian Drua in tomorrow’s clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka.

The Chiefs are putting their three-game winning streak on the line this weekend against the winless Drua.

McMillan has opted to rest All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie, who will stay back in New Zealand after coming off with eight minutes to go last weekend against the Brumbies with a knee injury. The Chiefs welcome back 96-cap outside back Shaun Stevenson after a short stint in Japan at the Kubota Spears, coming off the bench in the No.23 jersey.

Lock Tupou Vaa’i will once again lead the side in Lautoka, as captain Luke Jacobson remains on the sideline after a facial injury sustained in the home game against the Crusaders.

McMillan admits the injuries have thrown some curveballs, but he’s confident in the 23-man squad named to take on the Drua.

“While injuries have forced our hand with a couple of decisions this week, a ‘next man up’ mentality has served the team well to date,” McMillan said on the club’s media website.

“We also know from our trip to Lautoka a couple of years ago how special this opportunity is, and as a club, we’re looking forward to seeing Fijian rugby fans out in force again.

“The Drua are always a tough opponent and will be further boosted by playing at home this week, so we know we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

Suva-born flyer Emoni Narawa will take McKenzie’s place at fullback, in a Fijian homecoming for the two-Test All Black. All Black hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho will start in the No.2 jersey after coming back from injury last week off the bench against the Brumbies, Taukeu’aho missed a long period with an Achilles injury.

Chiefs lock Josh Lord picked up a short-term knee injury in round three and will be replaced by Manaaki Selby-Rickit. Kick-off time: 3.35pm.

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