Chiefs have a new captain
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Lock Michael Allardice will take over the captaincy in the absence of locking companion Brodie Retallick when the Chiefs face the Jaguares at José Amalfitani Stadium in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
Allardice will captain the side in his 40th appearance for the Chiefs, after inking a new deal to see him recommit with the franchise for 2020.
Following a 56-20 win over the Bulls in Pretoria last week, only four changes have been made to the starting fifteen.
All Blacks hooker Nathan Harris will celebrate his 50th game for the Chiefs.
Harris will be joined by Aidan Ross and tighthead prop Nepo Laulala, who gets the nod ahead of Angus Ta’avao named in jersey No.18.
Allardice will combine with Mitchell Brown at lock in the only other change to the forward pack.
In the backline, only two changes have been made.
Flyhalf Marty McKenzie will start at No.10, with injury ruling Jack Debreczeni out of contention.
Anton Lienert-Brown returns to start at inside centre in his 60th appearance for the Chiefs, moving Alex Nankivell to the bench.
Completing the changes to the matchday 23, Taleni Seu earns his spot in jersey No.20 and is joined by Etene Nanai-Seturo who will don jersey number 23.
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Tyler Ardron, 7 Lachlan Boshier, 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Michael Allardice (captain), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tevita Mafileo, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Jesse Parete, 20 Taleni Seu, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Alex Nankivell, 23 Etene Nanai-Seturo.
Date: Saturday, March 30
Venue: José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires
Kick-off: 18.40 (21.40 GMT; 10.40, Sunday, March 31 NZ time)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Pablo Deluca (Argentina), Damian Schneider (Argentina)
TMO: Santiago Borsani (Argentina)
