Tauranga's Nathan Harris set to celebrate his 50th game for the Gallagher Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images
Tauranga's Nathan Harris set to celebrate his 50th game for the Gallagher Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images
Tauranga's Nathan Harris is set to celebrate his 50th game for the Gallagher Chiefs when the side face the Jaguares at in Buenos Aires this weekend.
Lock Michael Allardice will captain the team in the absence of Brodie Retallick when the Chiefs play at José Amalfitani Stadium at 10.40am onSunday (NZ time). It will be Allardice's 40th appearance for the squad, having re-signed with the franchise for 2020.
Following a 56-20 win over the Bulls in Pretoria last Sunday (NZ time), only four changes have been made to the starting 15.
"Nathan has been a strong performer for us and for him to notch up 50 caps in the Gallagher Chiefs jersey is a notable achievement," head coach Colin Cooper says.
Harris will be joined by Aidan Ross and tighthead prop Nepo Laulala, who gets the nod ahead of Angus Ta'avao in jersey 18. Allardice will combine with Mitchell Brown at lock in the only other change to the forward pack.
In the backline only two changes have been made. First five-eighth Marty McKenzie will start at 10 with injury ruling Jack Debreczeni out of contention. Anton Lienert-Brown returns to start at second five eighth in his 60th appearance for the Chiefs, moving Alex Nankivell to the bench.
Completing the changes to the 23, Taleni Seu earns his spot in jersey number 20 and is joined by Etene Nanai-Seturo who will don jersey number 23.
Cooper said his expectation was that his team would continue to deliver another strong performance this weekend.
"This week we want to continue to carry the momentum and confidence we have into the Jaguares match. The Jaguares are a very passionate team and they have a strong set piece. We need to maintain a high-tempo game and ensure our defence systems continue to improve, if we get that right then we should be in a good space."
Cooper is confident Allardice will lead the team by example in Retallick's absence.
"Michael is a good leader and provides plenty of experience to lead the team this week."
