All Blacks to start for Chiefs in Brisbane

Aaron Cruden returns to the starting XV for the Chiefs on Friday. Photo/File

All Black pair Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Aaron Cruden return to the starting line-up for the Chiefs match against the Reds in Brisbane on Friday.

Liam Messam returns to the reserves after missing out on an All Black Sevens spot at the Rio Olympics.

In the forwards Kane Hames, Nathan Harris, and Atu Moli form a powerful front row with Dominic Bird and Taleni Seu partnering at lock.

All Black Sam Cane will lead the pack at number 8 joined in the loose forwards by workhorse Tom Sanders and exciting openside Lachlan Boshier.

The Chiefs have stormed back to the top of the New Zealand Conference reclaiming first place from the Crusaders who they beat 23-13 in in Fiji.

The powerful combination of Anton Lienert-Brown and Seta Tamanivalu team up again in the midfield while James Lowe and Toni Pulu retain their places on the wings.

Damian McKenzie will start at fullback for his 14th consecutive Super Rugby game this season.

The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Queensland Reds is:

1. Kane Hames (5)
2. Nathan Harris (19)
3. Atu Moli (7)
4. Dominic Bird (7)
5. Taleni Seu (14)
6. Tom Sanders (11)
7. Lachlan Boshier (4)
8. Sam Cane (78) co-captain
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (63)
10. Aaron Cruden (69) co-captain
11. James Lowe (33)
12. Anton Lienert-Brown (20)
13. Seta Tamanivalu (19)
14. Toni Pulu (9)
15. Damian McKenzie (29)

RESERVES:

16. Hika Elliot (100)
17. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi (7)
18. Siate Tokolahi (27)
19. Mitchell Brown (2)
20. Liam Messam (144)
21. Brad Weber (38)
22. Andrew Horrell (54)
23. Sam McNicol (8)