Rugby: Chiefs welcome back Sam Cane for run into Super Rugby playoffs

Sam Cane returns to the Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

Should things heat up in Fiji this weekend, the Chiefs will be ready to adapt.

Ahead of their Super Rugby clash against the Highlanders in Suva, the Hamilton-based club simulated their expected playing conditions – high heat and high humidity.

For a 10-day period, the players trained in a simulated heat room – putting work in on the rowing machines and exercycles for up to half an hour at 30C and a 100 per cent humidity level.

"We've been preparing for hotter weather than we've arrived at, so hopefully it'll pay dividends when the humidity hits and the temperature rises," assistant coach Tabai Matson said.

The two sides go into the match battling for final playoff seedings. The Highlanders sit one spot ahead of the Chiefs in fifth place, but a Chiefs win would likely see them switch places.

The Hamilton club will field a strong side for the match, with All Blacks Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Karl Tu'inukuafe and Sam Cane all backing up. For Cane, it'll be his first match for the Chiefs since their week 10 win over the Reds in late April.

They'll also welcome back versatile forward Tyler Ardron from concussion.

"It's definitely great to have him back in the mix," Matson said. "I think people undervalue versatility. In a competition this long, being able to play a couple of positions really well is just a godsend for a team.

"He does the job at lock but he's good around the field and good on the tackle and good on the ball carry, so you're getting a more complete footballer."

Nathan Harris has been given the week off to stay with his newborn child, while Brodie Retallick remains out due to a pectoral injury.

The Highlanders also welcome back a number of All Blacks, with Waisake Naholo and Ben Smith taking their usual spots in the backline with Jackson Hemopo lining up in the loose forwards, while Liam Coltman and Shannon Frizell will play from the bench. Liam Squire remains out due to a shoulder injury.

Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Wainui, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (c), Luke Jacobson, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Angus Ta'avao, Liam Polwart, Karl Tu'inukuafe.

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sam Prattley, Jeff Thwaites, Jesse Parete, Mitch Karpik, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marty McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson.

Highlanders: Ben Smith (cc), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Alex Ainley, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman.