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Liam Messam is among a bunch of 2011 All Blacks that remain in contention for the June Test series despite missing the cut for the initial 35-man squad.
Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam has been passed fit to play in his side's Super Rugby opener against the Highlanders on Saturday night.
Messam had sustained a calf injury in a warm-up match against the Melbourne Rebels, but will play at blindside flanker in Hamilton.
Crusaders import Sonny Bill Williams will also play, starting at second five with Richard Kahui outside him at centre, while Aaron Cruden starts at first-five.
"There has been a lot of work going in over the last three months in preparation for the competition and the boys are pretty excited about the match," Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said.
The Highlanders will name their side tomorrow morning, as a long injury list continues to foil plans for the start of their season.
Chiefs starting XV:
1. Arizona Taumalolo, 2. Hika Elliot, 3. Ben Afeaki, 4. Craig Clarke (c), 5. Brodie Retallick, 6. Liam Messam (c), 7. Sam Cane, 8. Fritz Lee, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Aaron Cruden, 11. Tim Nanai-Williams, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Richard Kahui, 14. Lelia Masaga, 15. Robbie Robinson.
