Damian McKenzie moved back to fullback against Waratahs

The Chiefs have shuffled their star playmakers to fit them all into the starting backline against the Waratahs.

That means Damian McKenzie has been shifted to fullback to accommodate Josh Jacomb at 10, while Shaun Stevenson is relocated to the right wing.

McKenzie started the season at 15 while Stevenson was serving a short sabbatical in Japan, but has played at 10 when healthy since his running mate’s return. The All Black will square off with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the backfield.

Feeding the backs will be All Black Cortez Ratima, who celebrates his 50th Chiefs cap in the contest.

“I can’t really put it into words. It’s a huge privilege to play 50 for this club,” Ratima said of his accomplishment.

“The culture is pretty big here; the boys are all welcoming and the way Clayton themes the year really gets the boys connected.”

Completing the backline is breakthrough rookie Leroy Carter and midfield dynamism in the form of Quin Tupaea and Gideon Wrampling.

Captain Luke Jacobson is set to line up at openside flanker, with Simon Parker and Samipeni Finau joining him in the loose trio.

Manaaki Selby-Rickit and Tupou Vaa’i make up the second row, with Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho and George Dyer up front.

Chiefs team to play the Waratahs

1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Simon Parker
9. Cortez Ratima (50^th)
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Leroy Carter
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Gideon Wrampling
14. Shaun Stevenson
15. Damian McKenzie

Reserves

16. Bradley Slater
17. Jared Proffit
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Xavier Roe
22. Daniel Rona
23. Emoni Narawa

Gallagher CHIEFS’ injury update ahead of Round 9

• Anton Lienert-Brown, leg, short-term
• Josh Lord, knee, mid-term
• Kaleb Trask, hamstring, mid-term
• Liam Coombes-Fabling, knee, mid-term
• Wallace Sititi, knee, long-term
• Etene Nanai-Seturo, hamstring, long-term
• Rameka Poihipi, knee, season