Rugby: Northland's Matt Matich earns Super debut for Chiefs

Matt Matich is likely to make his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs when they take on the Sharks in Durban. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

Northland loose forward Matt Matich is in line for a well-deserved Super Rugby debut off the Chiefs' bench against the Sharks tomorrowmorning (NZ time).

With Sam Cane unavailable for the South Africa tour and Tyler Ardon's move back into lock with Brodie Retallick also out, a space opened up for one of Northland's most consistent performers of recent time.

The Chiefs have been struggling all season with the injury bug, meaning they've had to dig deep into their depth but, with a record of seven victories from 10 outings, the Hamilton-based side has coped well.

Matich, a hard-running and hitting No 8 and flanker, has earned his spot through sheer weight of quality performances.

"We are in our second week of this tough tour and we were very happy to beat the Stormers," head coach Colin Cooper said.

"We are looking forward to a great contest in Durban against the Sharks. It's going to be another tough game for us, but we are really excited about the challenge ahead.

"The team has united really quickly and we are certainly looking forward to the challenge in the Shark Tank."

Meanwhile, Jack Goodhue will be looking to press one final claim for an All Blacks spot as the Crusaders travel to Eden Park to take on the Blues.

Goodhue has been in fine form all season long but is in a real dogfight for one of four midfield spots for the upcoming series against France.

New Zealand's midfield depth has strengthened once again, making it difficult to see who Steve Hansen will pick in his first squad of 2018 tomorrow.

His main rivals for the spots are Crusaders teammate Ryan Crotty, Blues second five Sonny Bill Williams, Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown and Hurricanes second five Ngani Laumape.

The rise of Hurricane Matt Proctor and the surprise development of Highlander Rob Thompson has added even more intrigue.

Even Rieko Ioane, who made a name for himself as the most potent wing in world rugby last season, has shown the capabilities to be a force in either midfield position after being shifted around the Blues backline throughout 2018.

Goodhue's versatility to play both spots as well as his ability to make smart decisions and make metres after contact put him in a great position to be selected - and joining the All Blacks on their northern tour at the end of last year will not have hurt his chances one bit.

On the other side of the field, Matt Moulds and Ross Wright will assume front row back-up duties for the Blues as they look to repay the faith given to coach Tana Umaga after he was re-signed for a fourth season at the helm of the embattled side.