Super Rugby: Chiefs rookie Harris in at the deep end

DRIVING FORWARD: Nathan Harris, with ball in hand, is fired up for tonight's clash against the Highlanders. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 180913AW14BOP

Bay hooker had no trouble with playing flanker on Super debut

There was nothing unusual about hooker Nathan Harris making his debut for the Chiefs off the bench against the Crusaders in Dunedin last Friday.

But having to play flanker was never planned.

"I was just dropped into that deep end so I just had to think what to do, what is my role, and keeping calm rather than getting too into the moment," Harris said.

One key factor in all this not known by many is that Harris started out as a flanker and played for the Tauranga Boys' First XV until a couple of Reporoa boys called Sam Cane and Carl Axten rolled into town.

That meant a shunt forward into the front row for Harris who has never looked back.

The 21-year-old quickly rose through the ranks and was the starting hooker for the New Zealand Under-20 team in 2012 - ironically keeping Rhys Marshall, who was picked ahead of Harris last week, on the bench.

Harris says he and Marshall spend a lot of time together at Chiefs training working on their specific skills.

"We have been together since under-20s and battling for that number one spot. We get the best out of each other and I guess it is just promoting ourselves more with a bit of competition at training, and on and off the field living in the same environment."

Tonight, Harris is likely to get 20 minutes or so again off the bench. Up against him in the Highlanders front row will be a familiar face from last year's Bay of Plenty team.

Kane Hames made a fine start to his Super Rugby career in the win over the Blues last week, playing all 80 minutes and impressing with his scrummaging work.

Harris is looking forward to rubbing ears and heads with his Steamers mate.

"He did well for the Bay last year, then converting up to the Maoris and now he has a full Super 15 contract. I watched his game the other night and he did pretty good with his scrummaging and his ball carrying. It will be good to catch up with him and have a few battles on the field."