Super Rugby 2019: Chiefs make one change for quarter-final against Jaguares

Chiefs midfielder Alex Nankivell in action against the Sharks.
Chiefs midfielder Alex Nankivell in action against the Sharks. Photo credit: Photosport

The Chiefs have made just one change to their line-up for their Super Rugby quarter-final against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday (NZT).

Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has promoted Tumua Manu to the starting side in place of Alex Nankivell, who is under an injury cloud and will have to pass a fitness test if he is to play at all.

Nankivell sustained a knee injury during last week's 59-8 win over the Melbourne Rebels, and if he is ruled out, Ataata Moeakiola will take his spot on the bench.

All Black Anton Lienert-Brown will shift from centre to second-five to partner Manu in the Chiefs midfield.

The rest of the team is unchanged, with influential leader Sam Cane captaining the team.

Super Rugby 2019: Chiefs make one change for quarter-final against Jaguares

The Chiefs head into the match full of confidence, having won their last three games, including a shock 40-27 win over the Crusaders and a nine-try romp over the Rebels.

"As a team, we need to draw on the confidence we have gained from our past couple of games," said Cooper. 

"We are not strangers to quarter-finals rugby, we just need to stay focused, and deliver a performance our fans and whanau are proud of.

jaguares v chiefs teams
Photo credit: Newshub.

"There is plenty of energy in the team, especially from our leaders. We know the Jaguares are a quality side.

"They have performed well and we have the utmost respect for them."

The Chiefs hold the head-to-head advantage over the Jaguares, beating them twice in their three previous meetings, including a 30-27 triumph earlier this season in Argentina.

Chiefs: 1-Atu Moli, 2-Nathan Harris, 3-Angus Ta'avao, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Tyler Ardron, 6-Lachlan Boshier, 7-Sam Cane, 8-Pita Gus Sowakula, 9-Brad Weber, 10-Jack Debreczeni, 11-Sean Wainui, 12-Anton Lienert-Brown, 13-Tumua Manu, 14-Shaun Stevenson, 15-Solomon Alaimalo

Reserves: 16-Samisoni Taukei'aho 17-Aidan Ross, 18-Nepo Laulala, 19-Jesse Parete, 20-Mitchell Jacobson, 21-Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22-Marty McKenzie, 23-Alex Nankivell/Ataata Moeakiola

Newshub.

Join us at 10pm Saturday for live updates of the Jaguares v Chiefs Super Rugby quarter-final