The Chiefs have rung the changes for their daunting Super Rugby Aotearoa trip to Christchurch, but are backing Bryn Gatland as their man at No 10.
There are five changes to the starting 15, including the injection of uncapped Taranaki lock Josh Lord, while there is another debutant – loose forward Kaylum Boshierm on a bench which also features All Black Anton Lienert-Brown.
Coach Clayton McMillan says Lienert-Brown had suffered a knee injury late against the Highlanders, but was hopeful of him being cleared to face the Crusaders.
Calls have been growing for Damian McKenzie to shift from fullback to No 10 – a move which had sparked some intrigue when the Chiefs unveiled it in pre-season, following the largely failed exercise in 2018-19.
But, asked if McKenzie was being considered an option for the role, McMillan said he already was featuring there, to an extent, while also going into bat for his new recruit.
The Crusaders will play the Chiefs at 6.05pm tomorrow and the Blues will take on the Highlanders at 2.35pm Sunday.
In the Super Rugby Australia, the Force will take on the Rebels at 9.45 tonight and the Brumbies will face the Reds at 8.45pm tomorrow.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
