McKenzie returns to No.10, ALB back from injury for Chiefs

After a disappointing defeat for Clayton McMillan’s Chiefs last weekend in Sydney against the NSW Waratahs, the head coach has named a strong side to take on the Highlanders in Hamilton.

Star playmaker Damian McKenzie returns to his favoured No.10 position, allowing Shaun Stevenson to move from the wing to full-back.

All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown returns to the 23, after missing the last month with an injury. Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson will lead the side from the back of the scrum, joined by Jahrome Brown and Samipeni Finau in the loose forward trio.

Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter are on the wings, while Josh Jacomb returns to the bench following the backline reshuffle.

McMillan, who leaves the Chiefs at the end of the season for Munster, says his team are focused ahead of a tough New Zealand derby.

“The squad is focused and fired up for a physical contest,” McMillan said.

“The Highlanders are a tough, well-drilled side who fight for everything and each other. They will have taken confidence out of their most recent performance, whilst we were bitterly disappointed in ours.

“But each week represents another opportunity for growth, and at home in front of the fans at FMG Stadium Waikato, there is no greater motivation.”

Gallagher Chiefs Squad to take on the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato

1. Aidan Ross
2.  Brodie McAlister
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Jahrome Brown
8. Luke Jacobson (c)
9. Xavier Roe
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson

Reserves

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho

17. Jared Proffit

18. Reuben O’Neill

19. Jimmy Tupou

20. Kaylum Boshier

21. Cortez Ratima

22. Josh Jacomb

23. Anton Lienert-Brown

Gallagher Chiefs Unavailable Due to Injury

• Simon Parker – HIA protocol

• Josh Lord – Knee, Mid-term

• Liam Coombes-Fabling – Knee, Mid-term

• Etene Nanai-Seturo – Hamstring, Long-term

• Fiti Sa – Shoulder, Long-term

• Wallace Sititi – Knee, Long-term

• Rameka Poihipi – Knee, Season