All Black boost for Chiefs
The Chiefs received a timely boost ahead of their showdown with the Highlanders in Dunedin on Sunday.
All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden has been cleared from his Achilles injury and will line up at No.10 when the table-topping New Zealand franchise resume their Super Rugby campaign after the break during the June Test window.
Cruden was forced from the field early in last Saturday's 60-0 whitewash of Ireland – having played a major role in the All Blacks' first four tries – as he aggravated an old Achilles tendon injury.
As he was for the All Black in that 23-minute cameo in Hamilton, Cruden has been instrumental in ensuring the Chiefs stay at the top of the Super Rugby standings.
While Cruden will start against the Highlanders, fellow All Black star – openside flank Sam Cane – will be on the bench.
Tanerau Latimer gets a starting spot this week as the team's No.7.
Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam, who both made the most of their opportunities against Ireland, have been selected in the starting lineup at lock and blindside flank respectively.
The other notable change to the Chiefs is the inclusion of Tim Nanai-Williams, who returns from injury to take his place on the wing.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow wins the battle of the scrumhalves and will start in the No 9 jersey, with forgotten All Black Brendan Leonard coming off the bench.
Chiefs: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Tim Nanai-Williams, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Kane Thompson, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (captain), 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Hika Elliot, 17 Sona Taumalolo, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Andrew Horrell, 22 Lelia Masaga.
Date: Friday, June 29
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
