Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf for the New Zealand Maori against the British & Irish Lions in Rotorua on Saturday.
McKenzie has played mainly at fullback for the Chiefs this season, but will start at 10, which the All Blacks selectors believe is his best postition.
'We feel Damian will suit the game plan that we want to play, from the No 10 position,' said coach Colin Cooper.
The 22-year-old is one of nine All Blacks in the match 23, with Nehe Milner-Skudder, Reiko Ioane, Charlie Ngatai and Tawera Kerr-Barlow also in the backline. Liam Messam, Elliott Dixon and Kane Hames will start in the pack, with Hika Elliott on the bench.
New Zealand Maori – 15 James Lowe, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Matt Proctor, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Elliot Dixon, 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Joe Wheeler, 3 Ben May, 2 Ash Dixon (c), 1 Kane Hames.
Subs: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Leighton Price, 20 Kara Pryor, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Rob Thompson.
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
