Cruden returns after ten-month lay-off
Chiefs co-captain Cruden has been sidelined for ten months after rupturing knee ligaments in April last year. His co-captain Sam Cane will also don the Chiefs strip for the first time in 2016, almost four months following his last playing appearance for the All Blacks against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup semifinal.
It will be the final opportunity for players on both teams to raise their hands for selction ahead of this year's Super Rugby tournament.
Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Glen Fisiiahi, 13 Seta Tamanivalu, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Sam McNicol, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Tom Sanders, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Taleni Seu, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Allardice, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Rhys Marshall, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Replacements – from: Nathan Harris, Mitchell Graham, Hiroshi Yamashita, Johan Bardoul, Tevita Koloamatangi, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Chase Tiatia, Anton Lienert-Brown, Latu Vaeno, Lalakai Foketi, James Tucker, James Lowe, Shaun Stevenson, Atu Moli.
Date: Friday, February 19
Venue: ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe
Kick-off: 17.05 (04.05 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
