Marty McKenzie of the Chiefs. Photo / Getty
Marty McKenzie will have the first shot at filling Aaron Cruden's boots, being named at first five for the Chiefs' encounter with the Western Force on Friday night.
With Cruden on Monday ruled out for the season with a knee injury, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie had a number of options
to try at No10.
And Taranaki pivot McKenzie has earned the opening chance, beating out competition from younger brother Damian and Andrew Horrell, who impressed after replacing Cruden against the Crusaders.
The injured All Black is not the only senior man missing from the Chiefs team. Captain Liam Messam will be absent due to the agreed All Blacks rest requirements, replaced by Johan Bardoul at blindside flanker with Matt Symons assuming the captaincy.
James Lowe was ruled out after suffering a contusion on his shoulder during the Crusaders match, seeing Tim Nanai-Williams moving to the left wing and Bryce Heem coming into the team on the right.
