Rugby: Chiefs prop Afeaki returns from 13 week injury break

Ben Afeaki has not played for the Chiefs since breaking his right forearm in the round one loss to the Highlanders on February 25. Photo / Sarah Ivey.

Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki will make his long-awaited return from an arm injury to play the Bulls in Hamilton on Friday night.

Afeaki has not played for the Chiefs since breaking his right forearm in the round one loss to the Highlanders on February 25.

His is a timely return for what will be an extremely physical match against the Bulls, who lost 16-11 to the Highlanders in Dunedin last weekend.

Afeaki's inclusion is one of six changes to the team which lost to the Reds 42-27 in Brisbane a fortnight ago.

The 24-year-old starts at tighthead prop ahead of new All Blacks squad member Ben Tameifuna, who has not made the match day 22.

Loosehead prop Arizona Taumalolo is on the bench, replaced by Toby Smith. Hika Elliot replaces Mahonri Schwalger at hooker and No 8 Kane Thompson comes in for Alex Bradley, who has also been dropped from the squad. Tawera Kerr-Barlow comes in for Brendon Leonard at halfback and Jackson Willison predictably replaces centre Richard Kahui, who dislocated a shoulder against the Reds.

There is no room in the starting line-up for flanker Sam Cane, referred to by Steve Hansen as a potential replacement for Richie McCaw when named in the All Blacks wider training group recently.

Chiefs team to play the Bulls at Waikato Stadium on Friday, kick-off 7.35pm: Andrew Horrell, Lelia Masaga, Jackson Willison, Sonny Bill Williams, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Kane Thompson, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Arizona Taumalolo, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Brendon Leonard, Robbie Robinson, Maritino Nemani.