Rugby: Chiefs rest Brodie Retallick for Jaguares clash in Rotorua

Brodie Retallick will be rested by the Chiefs this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

An upcoming road trip to South Africa has forced the hand of Chiefs coach Colin Cooper, who will rest lock Brodie Retallick this weekend.

Retallick will miss the Chiefs' match against the Jaguares in Rotorua on Friday night, with Michael Allardice given the start in the no.4 jersey.

"We want Brodie to be firing on all cylinders for the Stormers game in South Africa," Cooper said. "He gives so much as a leader off the field, and on the field he brings everything, and we need to keep that alive in him."

Midfield back Johnny Fa'auli will also be rested, having played every minute of the team's season so far. He's replaced by Alex Nankivell, while Ton Pulu returns from injury to take up residence on the wing.

Liam Messam also joins the starting side for the match in his home town, replacing Taleni Seu at No.8. Seu was expected to miss the rest of the season due to a back injury.

Luke Jacobson could also be in line to start in the loose forwards, with Lachlan Boshier under an injury cloud. Should Boshier be unfit, Jacobson will start and Bay of Plenty forward Jesse Parete will make his debut from the bench.

Young back Levi Aumua was also in line for a debut of the bench.

The Chiefs come into the match on the back of a bye, and meet a Jaguares side who are enjoying a successful road trip.

The Argentinean side have claimed back to back wins in recent weeks, knocking off the Brumbies in Canberra and the Blues in Auckland.

"This will be a really tough game - from a win against the Brumbies to beating the Blues in Auckland is a great feat, so they are showing their worth. We certainly have been analysing them and getting ready for the attack that they are going to bring. They're strong in their set piece and defensively we will be tested."

Chiefs: Charlie Ngatai (cc), Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Solomon Alaimalo, Damian McKenzie, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (cc), Lachlan Boshier/Luke Jacobson, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Angus Ta'avao, Liam Polwart, Karl Tu'inukuafe. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Sam Prattley, Jeff Thwaites, Jacobson/Jesse Parete, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Marty McKenzie, Levi Aumua.

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