Super Rugby: Stars set to shine in Rotorua

Rotorua's Liam Messam will feature in the Chiefs pre-season match against the Blues tomorrow at Rotorua International Stadium. Photo/Stephen Parker

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 tomorrow night 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 his new club the Blues.

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

"It has been a while 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 the family."

Messam will co-captain the Chiefs for a third straight season this year and said his team were up for the challenge to try to 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."

The Chiefs will travel to Rotorua today and Messam said he would look to visit his old school, Rotorua Boys' High School, during his time here.

Chiefs coach Rennie explained he wanted to see his team lift in intensity tomorrow night following 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 opponents from anywhere on the park so it would be important to protect the ball well. t

"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 were shaping with the likes of new-comers Robbie Fruean and Jamie Mackintosh fitting in well.

Rennie said it was a good opportunity to play in Rotorua, which was well known for having a great ground at the stadium.

He hoped lots of people would come out and support them during the match.

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

Tickets to the pre-season game tomorrow are $15 for adults and $5 for children, aged 14 and under (under-5s free).

The game kicks off at 6pm.