Taumateine reveals Chiefs pride

Scrum-half Jonathan Taumateine has said it is a 'pretty amazing' opportunity to make his first start for the Chiefs in their Super Rugby clash with the Sunwolves.

Taumateine is third-choice in the Chiefs' pecking order but will start this weekend because Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Finlay Christie are unavailable.

Incumbent number one Kerr-Barlow is being rested after suffering a head knock in the 16-7 win against the Western Force in Perth while replacement Finlay Christie has been suspended for three weeks after he was found guilty of stamping against the Force.

And Taumateine has admitted that while he is nervous, he is relishing the opportunity.

"Obviously I'm a bit nervous but it's a great opportunity for me to get out there and cover for some of the great halfbacks that are out this week," Taumateine told NZ Newswire.

"I always wanted to be a Chief and just to be a part of it is pretty amazing."

The 20-year-old, who plays for the All Blacks U20 side, is not completely fresh at this level having made two substitute appearances against the Highlanders and the Blues.

Taumateine is grateful to have the experience of Japanese captain Michael Leitch and All Black fly-half Aaron Cruden either side of him.

"They're obviously high-class players and having them there makes my job a whole lot easier," he added.