Rugby: Messam glad to be back home

Liam Messam will feature in the Chiefs pre-season match against the Blues tonight. Photo / File

Rotorua All Black Liam Messam will return to his old stomping ground for the Chiefs final pre-season match against the Blues.

Messam will be among the stars taking the field tonight at Rotorua International Stadium.

Coach Dave Rennie said he would play a number of his All Blacks tomorrow including Messam, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Brodie Retallick.

Whakatane superstar Benji Marshall is also likely to take the field for the Blues and share first-five duties with Bay of Plenty's Chris Noakes.

Messam said he was looking forward to playing in his home town for the first time in more than two years.

"It has been awhile since I have been down there, I'm looking forward to getting out and playing in front of my home supporters."

Messam recently returned to Chiefs training after an extended Christmas break, following the All Blacks European tour, and said he felt fresh for the up-coming season. "I've had a good break and spent some quality time with family."

Messam will captain the Chiefs for a third straight season this year and said his team was up for the challenge to try and make it three titles in a row. "It is something I always pride myself on, the way I lead, and we have a great leadership group here at the Chiefs."

Messam was looking forward to visiting his old school, Rotorua Boys' High School, during his time there.

Rennie said he wanted to see his team lift in intensity tonight after a loss to the Reds last weekend in Toowoomba.

"We have to increase the intensity and do the little things better," he said. "The Blues can punish you from anywhere on the park so it would be important to protect the ball well. We have a lot of injuries which will see a few players missing. But Liam and Brodie are coming in and Kane Thompson will also play a bit in the weekend."

Rennie said he was happy with how the squad was shaping for the season, with the likes of new-comers Robbie Fruean and Jamie Mackintosh fitting in well.

He said it was a good opportunity to play in Rotorua, which was well known for having a great ground. He hopes lots of people support them during the match.

The Chiefs get their 2014 season under way next Friday against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Tickets to tonight's game are $15 for adults and $5 for children, aged 14 and under (under-5s free). The game kicks off at 6pm.