Rugby: Chiefs call up extras

Chiefs hooker Mahonri Schwalger and prop Ben Tameifuna will be returning to New Zealand from South Africa and replaced by hooker Rhys Marshall and prop Michael Kainga.

Schwalger has cartilage in his knee which has not healed as quickly as expected, and Tameifuna is returning home on family bereavement.

Marshall has had an impressive start to his Super Rugby career playing against the Highlanders and the Cheetahs.

Kainga, from the wider training group. has yet to make his debut but has been strong in the pre-season trials.

The Chiefs will play the Kings in Port Elizabeth at 6.10am on Saturday morning NZ time before returning home to play the Highlanders in Hamilton on Friday, March 22.

Coach Dave Rennie is expected to name his team to play the Kings tomorrow.