Rugby: Chiefs turn to Horrell for Highlanders

Andrew Horrell has been tasked with taking the No10 jersey against the Highlanders. Photo / Getty

The Chiefs have turned to Andrew Horrell to take the reins for Saturday night's knockout encounter with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Since Aaron Cruden was ruled out for the season, the No10 jersey has been shuffled between Horrell, Marty and Damian McKenzie, with the brothers occupying the position in six of seven games.

But with the season on the line in Saturday's qualifier at Forsyth Barr Stadium, coach Dave Rennie has opted for the experience of Horrell at first five-eighth. Horrell was signed by the Chiefs as No10 but has been used largely in a utility role during his time in Hamilton, starting two Super Rugby finals at second five.

He will now be tasked with reversing the Chiefs' fortunes against the southern side, with the Highlanders having claimed both clashes between the two teams this season.

Marty McKenzie has been dropped to the bench after starting three straight matches while brother Damian is required at fullback after Tom Marshall was ruled out with a knee injury.

Charlie Ngatai is another absentee, having failed to pass concussion protocols following a head knock in last weekend's loss to the Hurricanes, leaving cousins Sonny Bill Williams and Tim Nanai-Williams to occupy the midfield.

The feature of the forward pack is a slight reshuffle in the loose trio, with Michael Fitzgerald shifting to blindside flanker, Liam Messam moving to No8 and Michael Leitch dropping to the bench.

Chiefs team to play the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday night:

Damian McKenzie, Bryce Heem, Tim Nanai-Williams, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Andrew Horrell, Brad Weber, Liam Messam (c), Sam Cane, Michael Fitzgerald, Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu.

Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Siate Tokolahi, Jamie Mackintosh, Mitchell Crosswell, Michael Leitch, Kane Hammington, Marty McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu.