Chiefs deny they have disrespected Rebels by making mass changes ahead of Waikato Stadium clash

THE Chiefs reject claims they have disrespected the Rebels by making eight selection changes and starting three All Black stars off the bench.

Liam Messam will start on the bench for the Chiefs.

THE Chiefs reject claims they have disrespected the Melbourne Rebels by making eight selection changes and starting three All Black stars off the bench for tonight’s Waikato Stadium clash.

Despite losing playmaker Aaron Cruden due to a fractured thumb, the Chiefs opted to bench co-captain Liam Messam as they prepare to face 13th-ranked Melbourne.

The Chiefs are winless in three outings as they chase a third successive title but, because of eight mostly unforced selection changes, there are ­accusations the Rebels are viewed as an easy kill.

Chiefs forwards coach Tom Coventry said his club had selected the team for tonight’s match almost a month ago — and chose to persist with the decision to rest back-rower Messam along with fellow internationals Ross Filipo and Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

“Obviously with Aaron breaking his thumb, we had the option to reconsider where we rested him (Messam) for this game, but we decided to rest him,” Coventry said.

“He’ll play a role this week with us, but it’ll be off the bench.”

Liam Messam will start on the bench for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs will be captained by lock Brodie Retallick.

Underlining the depth of the Waikato powerhouse, the Chiefs will still field six All Blacks in their starting XV — Jamie Mackintosh, Retallick, Tanerau Latimer, Sam Cane, Mils Muliaina and Kane Thompson.

The Chiefs return to Hamilton with two draws (against the Cheetahs and Bulls) and a defeat (by Western Force) from the past three matches.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said Melbourne was not slighted by the opposition’s ­selection moves.

“They’re a world-class squad. You don’t win two titles with a group of seven or eight good players,” he said.

“You win titles and get through a Super 15 season with a reliable squad that anyone can come into at any given time and get the job done.”

Despite being rated a $4.85 TAB outsider, Melbourne gives itself a chance this week against the competition elite.

Europe-bound lock Hugh Pyle becomes the first Rebel to rack up 50 Super Rugby caps, while prop Toby Smith returns to Waikato Stadium to face his former club.