Injured fullback Damian McKenzie won't be the only All Black missing from the Chiefs, when they host the visiting Lions in Hamilton on Friday night.
With the backline utility sidelined for the season by knee-ligament damage, he has been joined in the stands by giant lock Brodie Retallick and hooker Nathan Harris this week.
Retallick has been ruled out with a hand injury, while Harris is taking a non-mandated rest.
Those absence leave the Waikato-based side understrength for a dangerous match-up against a team that lies at the bottom of the South African Super Rugby conference, but has made three consecutive finals, losing them all.
The Lions have a four-win/four-loss record this season and although they trail their conference, they currently lie just two points ouf of a playoff spot - ahead of the Chiefs.
Halfback Brad Weber will captain the team, with Retallick missing and co-captain Sam Cane still not back from his neck fracture.
"It is a huge honour to be named as captain for this Friday," says Weber. "I am excited for the opportunity and am thankful to have a great bunch of guys around me, which will make my job easier."
Jack Debreczeni will fill McKenzie's vacant number-15 jersey, while Tyler Ardron and Mitchell Brown form a new second-row combination without Retallick.
Liam Polwart will make his first appearance at hooker this season, joining Angus Ta'avao and Nepo Laulala in the front row.
Chiefs: 1-Angus Ta'avao, 2-Liam Polwart, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Tyler Ardron, 5-Mitchell Brown, 6-Luke Jacobson, 7-Lachlan Boshier, 8-Taleni Seu, 9-Brad Weber, 10-Marty McKenzie, 11-Ataata Moeakiola, 12-Anton Lienert-Brown, 13-Alex Nankivell, 14-Sean Wainui, 15-Jack Debreczeni
Reserves: 16-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17-Atu Moli, 18-Sosefo Kautai, 19-Jesse Parete, 20-Pita Gus Sowakula, 21-Jonathan Taumateine, 22-Tumua Manu, 23-Shaun Stevenson
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Join us at 7:30pm Friday for live updates of the Chiefs v Lions Super Rugby clash.
