12th February 2010 03:03PM

Chiefs coach Ian Foster has named a 5-2 split on his reserves bench, with three front rowers and two backs named in the Chiefs 22 for Sunday's match up against the Sharks in Durban.

Foster said from South Africa today: "The Sharks have got a very experienced pack and there is going to be heat and humidity. We feel going with a 5-2 split it gives us the ability to deal with those conditions in the best possible way."

The Chiefs bench sees Hika Elliot covering hooker, the inclusion of two props James McGougan (15 Chiefs caps) and rookie Ben Afeaki; new up and coming lock Culum Retallick and loose forward/ lock utility Jarrad Hoeata. The two back reserves are halfback Junior Poluleuligaga and fullback Tim Nanai-Williams.

Foster made the point the there was a lot of versatility in the Chiefs backs particularly with Dwayne Sweeney, Mike Delany, and Tim Nanai-Williams. All three players are adept at playing in more than one backline position.

Despite a couple of injury hiccups, with Sione Lauaki ruled out with an infected arm and Callum Bruce with a knee strain for the weekend's game, Foster said the Chiefs team is in a great spot and taking things in their stride.

"I think there's great composure around this team at the moment. If you look through our starting lineup, it's a reasonably settled unit. Colin Bourke and Jackson Willison have both had a season with us and Mike Delany has really grown as a footballer. It doesn't feel like there's been any disruption."

The Chiefs play the Sharks at Absa Stadium in Durban on Sunday 14 February at 6.10am (NZ time). The match is screened live on SKY Sport 1.