21st April 2010 01:30PM

The Chiefs are focussed and determined to bounce back strongly this Friday night when the Chiefs take on the Cheetahs at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, says coach Ian Foster.

"We have come off two very tough, physical games and now face our third South African team in a row. We believe we are still a very good team, in spite of the horrendous injury list this season."

"We are absolutely determined to show our character on the park this Friday night."

Friday will see Nathan White returning to a starting spot in the Chiefs front row, with Colin Bourke getting the nod to start at number eight ahead of Sione Lauaki. Reserve forwards include lock Kevin O'Neill, who has recovered from an Achilles injury incurred in round one of the competition, and prop James McGougan who has returned from a back injury.

In the backs, Junior Poluleuligaga will start at halfback, combining with Stephen Donald at first five-eighth. In the midfield Callum Bruce will run out at second five-eighth with Jackson Willison at centre. Speedster Sitiveni Sivivatu returns to the left wing for the Chiefs after recovering from a knee strain.

Brendon Leonard and Richard Kahui are named in the reserves, along with Chiefs Wider Training group winger Jason Hona.

"It is great to welcome back Kevin, James and Siti back into the twenty-two. We've injected some freshness into the starting line up with Colin Bourke, Junior Poluleuligaga and Jackson Willison , which will give Sione, Brendon and Richard an opportunity to contribute off the bench this week."

The Chiefs team to play the Cheetahs this Friday 23 April at 7.35pm at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton is:

1. Toby Smith
2. Hika Elliot
3. Nathan White
4. Craig Clarke
5. Culum Retallick
6. Liam Messam (captain)
7. Tanerau Latimer
8. Colin Bourke
9. Junior Poluleuligaga
10. Stephen Donald
11. Sitiveni Sivivatu
12. Callum Bruce
13. Jackson Willison
14. Dwayne Sweeney
15. Tim Nanai-Williams

Reserves: 16. Vern Kamo, 17. James McGougan, 18. Kevin O'Neill, 19.Sione Lauaki 20. Brendon Leonard, 21. Richard Kahui, 22. Jason Hona.

Tickets are available for this match via www.chiefs.co.nz  Adult prices range from $10 to $45. Gates open at 5.30pm. The curtain raiser match between Rotorua Boys' High School First XV and Manurewa High School First XV will kick off on the number one field at this time.