Cruden in starting role for Chiefs
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Aaron Cruden will return to the starting line-up for the Chiefs after making his way back from injury through the bench against the Hurricanes.
Cruden, who fractured his thumb in the dramatic 43-43 draw with the Cheetahs in Round eight, has made a faster than expected return to Super Rugby and has been seen training with the All Blacks.
The All Black flyhalf has also been handed the captain's armband for the clash against the Waratahs.
After a disappointing show against the Hurricanes last weekend, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has stressed the importance of the few remaining games.
“With only two points separating the top four teams in the New Zealand Conference, every game is vital and this stems as season defining,” Said the coach
The Waratahs have been impressive and lead the Australian Conference and Rennie is well aware of the threats they possess.
“They have a huge pack and a backline full of game breakers. Both teams play a positive brand of footy so it should be a hell of a contest,” said Rennie.
The changes to the Chiefs team, begins in the forwards with Jamie Mackintosh starting at prop and Matt Symons at lock.
Liam Messam reclaims his No.6 jersey, while Liam Squire starts at No.8
Andrew Horrell comes in at inside centre and Tim Nanai-Williams moves to his outside, with Cruden controlling play at pivot..
Pauliasi Manu, Mike Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Gareth Anscombe and Bundee Aki all move to the reserves.
Chiefs: 15 Tom Marshall, 14 Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Tim Nanai-Williams, 12 Andrew Horrell, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden (captain), 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Liam Squire, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Matt Symons, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements: 16 Mahonri Schwalger, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 Josh Hohneck, 19 Michael Fitzgerald, 20 Tanerau Latimer, 21 Brad Weber, 22 Gareth Anscombe, 23 Bundee Aki.
Date: Saturday, May 31
Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Kick-off: 16.35 (04.35 GMT; 14.35 AEST)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Richard Kelly (New Zealand), Grant Stuart (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)
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