Chiefs controversially rest star against 0-5 champs

The Chiefs have controversially rested star playmaker Damian McKenzie for Friday's Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Such a move would have been unthinkable in previous seasons but the defending champion Crusaders are rock bottom with a scarcely believable 0-5 record.

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Masterful McKenzie sets up epic Chiefs try

CRUSADERS vs CHIEFS in Christchurch, Friday 5.05pm kickoff AEDT

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says mandated All Blacks rest – and not the Crusaders' winless start to the season – was the reason to omit No.10 Damian McKenzie from his squad.

"We had always planned on Damian getting through the first four or five games before he needed a rest, as per the protocols," McMillan said.

"It's certainly got nothing to do with the Crusaders and how they are tracking at the moment, that didn't even factor into our thinking, it just either had to be last week or this week.

"He's had a niggly knee… if Damian had been 100 per cent fit, it might have been an easier decision to extend him another week, but he's not, so we won't risk him."

CRUSADERS (15-1):

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CHIEFS (15-1):

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Referee: Angus Gardner

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Waratahs heartbroken in golden point

WARATAHS vs REBELS in Sydney, Friday 7.35pm kickoff AEDT

WARATAHS (15-1):

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REBELS (15-1):

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Referee: Angus Mabey

NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney, Morgan Turinui and Stephen Hoiles review the Force's big upset of the Reds and whether golden point is a good thing for Super Rugby

https://omny.fm/shows/between-two-posts-1/who-saw-that-coming/embed?in_playlist=podcast&style=Cover

FIJIAN DRUA vs FORCE in Lautoka, Saturday 12.05pm kickoff AEDT

DRUA (15-1):

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FORCE (15-1):

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Referee: Reuben Keane

MOANA PASIFIKA vs BLUES in Auckland, Saturday 2.35pm kickoff AEDT

MOANA (15-1):

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BLUES (15-1):

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Referee: James Doleman

Highlanders star sees red for high shot

HIGHLANDERS vs HURRICANES in Dunedin, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEDT

HIGHLANDERS (15-1):

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HURRICANES (15-1):

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Referee: Damon Murphy

‘Razzle dazzle’ Reds strike with classic try

REDS vs BRUMBIES in Brisbane, Saturday 7.35pm kickoff AEDT

REDS (15-1):

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BRUMBIES (15-1):

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Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

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