Chiefs shift McKenzie as new-look pack named to take on the Blues

The Chiefs have shifted All Black first five Damian McKenzie back to fullback to square off against Beauden Barrett, also wearing the No.15 jersey, on Saturday night.

After playing at No.10 for the Chiefs all year last season on the way to the final, McKenzie’s move opens the door for Taranaki first five Josh Jacomb to start.

The Chiefs pack is unfamilar with ex-Crusaders recruit Brodie McAlister getting the nod at hooker, alongside Ollie Norris and George Dyer in the front row.

All Black prop Aidan Ross and veteran hooker Bradley Slater move to the reserves in what is a loaded bench with six All Blacks.

Ross joins Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown and Emoni Narawa as the Chiefs ‘Mana squad’ to come on in the second half.

“With our Test players only rejoining us late in the pre-season, we’ve opted to bring the majority of them back via the bench,” head coach Clayton McMillan explained.

“That rewards those who have worked relentlessly over the last few months, and allows us to inject some experience later into the game.

“It’s a long season and a particularly tough opening six weeks leading into our bye. We will need to be smart around how we manage our squad and our selections this week are a reflection of that.”

Chiefs team to play the Blues, Saturday 7.05pm, Eden Park:

1. Ollie Norris
2. Brodie McAlister *
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Josh Lord
6. Simon Parker
7. Kaylum Boshier
8. Luke Jacobson (c)
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Daniel Rona
14. Leroy Carter **
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves

16. Bradley Slater (60)
17. Aidan Ross (88)
18. Reuben O’Neill (29)
19. Tupou Vaa’i (58)
20. Samipeni Finau (45)
21. Cortez Ratima (42)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (120)
23. Emoni Narawa (33)

*club debut
**Super Rugby Pacific debut