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McKenzie gets pivotal Chiefs role

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made several changes to his side to play the Western Force in a Super Rugby Round 11 encounter in Hamilton on Friday.

Young Marty McKenzie will be thrust into a pivotal role in his first start of the season in the No.10 jersey, taking over from injured All Black Aaron Cruden – who is awaiting knee surgery.

McKenzie joined his brother Damian at the Chiefs this season.

It was an exciting 2014 for the versatile back. He was called in the New Zealand McKenzie gets pivotal Chiefs roleSevens side, helped his new Province Taranaki win the NPC and was part of the Maori All Blacks end of year tour.

McKenzie was part of the Blues in 2013 and New Zealand Under-20 side in 2012 and has played in the NPC for Southland.

He is the cousin of former Chiefs player Robbie Robinson.

Rennie has made several other changes to his side.

Prop Siate Tokolahi gets a start in the front row, with lock Matt Symons taking over the captaincy duties.

Johan Bardoul replaces Liam Messam, who will miss this match due to the agreement that key All Blacks get a proper break.

 

Tim Nanai Williams moves to the left wing, with Bryce Heem starting on the right wing.

Ben Tameifuna moves to the bench and is joined by Damian McKenzie.

The Chiefs playing jersey will feature a poppy to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli and ANZAC Day.  

Chiefs: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Bryce Heem, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Tim Nanai-Williams, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Michael Leitch, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Johan Bardoul, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Matt Symons (captain), 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Mitchell Graham.

Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Michael Fitzgerald, 20 Liam Squire, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Andrew Horrell.

Date: Friday, April 24

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 19.35 (15.35 AWST; 07.35 GMT)

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Assistant referees: Kane McBride (New Zealand), Mike Lash (New Zealand)

TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

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