McKenzie vacates No.10 jersey
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Chiefs head coach Colin Cooper has made six changes to the starting line up from last week’s loss to the Crusaders for their Round Five clash against the Hurricanes.
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The Chiefs will play Damian Mckenzie back at fullback for clash against Crusaders this weekend 🔥
Experienced lock Michael Allardice returns to combine with captain Brodie Retallick. The return of Allardice moves dynamic forward Tyler Ardron back into No.8 with Taleni Seu providing cover on the bench in jersey No.19. Mitchell Karpik the other change in the forward pack to start with Lachlan Boshier ruled out with injury.
Flyhalf Marty McKenzie returns from injury to start in the No.10 jersey with brother Damian McKenzie shifting to fullback. Japanese international Ataata Moeakiola secures his first start of the season on the left wing ahead of Etene Nanai-Seturo who will make an impact off the bench in jersey No.23.
Off the bench Tasman loosehead prop Ryan Coxon will be hoping to make his Super Rugby debut in front of a home crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato. Waikato’s Luke Jacobson joins Coxon to earn his place in the 23 for the first time this season.
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Tumua Manu, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Ataata Moeakiola, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Tyler Ardron, 7 Mitchell Karpik, 6 Mitchell Brown, 5 Michael Allardice, 4 Brodie Retallick (captain), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ryan Coxon, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Taleni Seu, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Alex Nankivell, 23 Etene Nanai-Seturo.
Date: Friday, March 15
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Nick Hogan (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
