Cruden to start for Chiefs

Aaron Cruden will start for the Chiefs in Friday night's Super Rugby match against the Highlanders, but fellow All Black stand out Sam Cane will have to be content on the bench.

Cruden has been cleared to play having left the field in last weekend's All Black romp over Ireland with an achilles tweak.

Following his man of the match efforts in the black jersey, Sam Cane starts on the reserve bench with Tanerau Latimer joining Liam Messam and Kane Thompson in the loose forwards.

The other changes of note see Tim Nanai-Williams starting on the wing ahead of Lelia Masaga and Maritino Nemani, while Robbie Robinson returns at fullback, with the in-form Andrew Horrell demoted to the bench.

The full team for Friday:

1. Toby Smith

2. Mahonri Schwalger

3. Ben Tameifuna

4. Craig Clarke (C)

5. Brodie Retallick

6. Liam Messam

7. Tanerau Latimer

8. Kane Thompson

9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow

10. Aaron Cruden

11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma

12. Sonny Bill Williams

13. Willison Jackson

14. Tim Nanai-Williams

15. Robbie Robinson

16. Hika Elliot

17. Sona Taumalolo

18. Michael Fitzgerald

19. Sam Cane

20. Brendon Leonard

21. Andrew Horrell

22. Lelia Masaga

Photo: Photosport