Rugby: McKenzie brothers join forces as Chiefs make a host of changes

Damian McKenzie returns to the No.10 jersey for the Chiefs this weekend. Photo / Photosport

Damian McKenzie will return to the No.10 jersey for the Chiefs this weekend, with brother Marty slotting into fullback for his first start of the season against the Sunwolves on Saturday.

The changes were among five made by Chiefs coach Colin Cooper to the side who beat the Bulls in Hamilton last week. Canadian recruit Tyler Ardron was named to make his first career start in Super Rugby, replacing the injured Mitchell Brown at lock.

Ardron's selection meant Michael Allardice would remain in a bench role this week, with Chiefs assistant coach Tabai Matson noting the selections was a match-up decision.

"We just felt that (Tyler) starting and Ally (Allardice) coming off the bench was the best combination for the Sunwolves."

Halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi comes into the starting side, with Brad Weber moving back to the bench, Taleni Seu returns to the No.8 jersey after being rested last week, and Toni Pulu slots in on the wing for his first match of the season after missing the opening rounds due to injury.

Loose forward Mitchell Karpik joins the squad on the bench alongside Waikato youngster Bailyn Sullivan who will make his Super Rugby debut if he's given a run.

"We're really excited about Bailyn," Matson said. "He can play centre or wing so for us, we're trying to give opportunities for young guys like that to get a little bit of a taste knowing maybe that later on in the season he'll be used again.

"The nature of Super Rugby now, the bench is really critical so he'll definitely be used at some point during the game."

The Chiefs go into the match on the back of a come-from-behind win over the Bulls, while the hosts will be in search of their first win of the young season.

Chiefs: Aidan Ross, Nathan Harris, Angus Ta'avao, Brodie Retallick, Tyler Ardron, Lachlan Boshier, Sam Cane, Taleni Seu, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Damian McKenzie, Solomon Alaimalo, Johnny Faauli, Anton Lienert-Brown, Toni Pulu, Marty McKenzie.

Reserves: Liam Polwart, Karl Tu'inukaufe, Jeff Thwaite, Michael Allardice, Mitchell Karpik, Brad Weber, Sean Wainui, Bailyn Sullivan