Super Rugby: Chiefs name Jack Debreczeni at first-five for Bulls clash

Chiefs pivot Jack Debreczeni will start his first Super Rugby match of the season at first-five against the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning (NZ time).

He's one of five changes to the Chiefs side, with Marty McKenzie, who wore the 10 jersey last week, dropping out of the match 23.

Debreczeni has been recovering from an abdominal injury.

The 25-year-old will be the Chiefs' fourth first-five used in six games this season, with Orbyn Leger, Damian McKenzie and older brother Marty all having a start in in 2019.

The other change to the backline sees Solomon Alaimalo return from injury to take his place on the left wing at the expense of Ataata Moeakiola.

In the forwards, a new locking combination of Brodie Retallick and Mitchell Brown will start, with Michael Allardice providing cover on the bench.

Blindside flanker Luke Jacobson earns his first start of the season and is joined by Lachlan Boshier on the openside, who returns to the starting side, after missing the Hurricanes match with concussion.

Angus Ta'avao takes Nepo Laulala's spot at tighthead prop.

On the bench, prop Tevita Mafileo returns from injury to replace Ryan Coxon, while loose forward Jesse Parete takes the place of Taleni Seu.

Head coach Colin Cooper said he was pleased with the team they had selected, but was calling for his side to show improved performance.

"Last week was frustrating for us and as a team, we want to see ourselves capitalise on the opportunities presented to us. The Bulls are a very good team and are coming off the back of a bye.

"For us to be successful, we need to try to be more accurate and continue to focus on delivering our game in order to improve on last week's performance."

Chiefs: 1-Aidan Ross, 2-Nathan Harris, 3-Angus Ta'avao, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Mitchell Brown, 6-  Luke Jacobson, 7-Lachlan Boshier, 8-Tyler Ardron, 9-Brad Weber, 10-Jack Debreczeni, 11-Solomon Alaimalo, 12-Anton Lienert-Brown, 13-Tumua Manu, 14-Sean Wainui, 15-Damian McKenzie

Reserves: 16-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17-Tevita Mafileo, 18-Nepo Laulala, 19-Michael Allardice, 20- Jesse Parete, 21-Te Toiroa Tahuiorangi, 22-Alex Nankivell, 23-Ataata Moeakiola

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