Ngatai to start at fullback for Chiefs in Crusaders clash

Co‑captain Charlie Ngatai will move from the midfield and has been named to start at fullback for the Chiefs in their Super Rugby season‑opener against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Damian McKenzie had been the incumbent at the back over the past couple of seasons but his move to first five‑eighth opened a spot at the back.

And instead of one of the younger players filling it, new coach Colin Cooper has gone for one of his most trusted ‑ having had a long association with Ngatai through Taranaki days.

Ngatai's shift sees Johnny Fa'auli been named to partner Anton Lienert‑Brown in the midfield, with Shaun Stevenson and Solomon Alaimalo on the flanks.

With Aaron Cruden and Tawera Kerr‑Barlow having left, the halves pairing of McKenzie and Brad Weber is reunited from Waikato NPC days.

The Chiefs will take on the Crusaders at 6.35pm this Saturday.

Source: Stuff.co