McKenzie out, Leger in for Super Rugby opener

An ankle injury has ruled out Damian McKenzie and presented inexperienced five-eighth Orbyn Leger with a surprise debut for the Chiefs against the Highlanders in Hamilton tomorrow.

Chiefs coach Colin Cooper said McKenzie has a ‘‘slight ankle strain’’ and would play if it was a final, but the All Blacks playmaker has been taken out of the firing line for the Super Rugby opener at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Brodie Retallick will captain a team featuring four Chiefs debutants and a youthful back line which 21-year-old Leger will guide from first-five, kicking off his second season at this level.

The Counties Manukau youngster, who made seven appearances for the Blues last year, has played mainly at centre in the professional ranks but injuries to McKenzie and former Melbourne Rebels pivot Jack Debreczeni (abdominal strain) have forced Cooper’s hand.

‘‘We don’t want to risk either of them and Orbyn Leger went pretty well in pre-season, so he gets an opportunity,’’ Cooper said as the Chiefs named their team yesterday.

Leger, a former New Zealand under-20s representative, started at second five-eighth earlier this month when the Chiefs lost 43-10 against the Blues in Kaikohe in pre-season and he played in last weekend’s 21-19 win over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Stephen Donald is set for his 105th appearance for the Chiefs in his third spell with the side after being named on the bench. The ‘Beaver’ was re-signed as injury cover after Tiaan Falcon ruptured his Achilles tendon.

As well as Leger, the three other Chiefs debutants are Etene Nanai-Seturo (left wing), Tumua Manu (centre) and Tongan-born Japanese wing Ataata Moeakiola, who is poised to come off the bench.