Struggling Chiefs shift Damien McKenzie to fullback for Hurricanes clash

The struggling Chiefs have suspended the Damien McKenzie experiment and shifted the All Black to fullback.

McKenzie had started three games this season at first‑five eighth with limited success. The Chiefs are winless and McKenzie has been targeted by opposition forward packs.

The solution: his brother Marty McKenzie ‑ who will wear the number 10 jersey against the Hurricanes tomorrow night with his brother playing from the back ‑ a position the national selectors preferred for him in 2018.

All‑in‑all coach Colin Cooper has made six changes to the side that was humbled by the Crusaders last week.

Ataata Moeakiola, a Japanese international replaces 19‑year‑old winger Etene Nanai‑Seturo who will start from the bench despite making a solid start to his first Super Rugby campaign.

Experienced lock Michael Allardice will partner Brodie Retallick while Mitch Karpick replaces the injured Lachlan Boshier in the number seven jersey.

The Hurricanes take on the Chiefs in Hamilton at 6.35pm tomorrow.

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‑Michell Karpick, 6‑Mitchell Brown, 5‑Michael Allardice, 4‑Brodie Retallick, 3‑Nepo Laulala, 2‑Nathan Harris, 1‑Aidan Ross.

Reserves: 16‑Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17‑Ryan Coxon, 18‑Angus Ta'avao, 19‑Taleni Seu, 20‑Te Toiroa Tahuiorangi, 22‑Alex Nankivell, 23‑Etene Nanai‑Seturo.

[Source: TVNZ]

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