Rugby: Sonny Bill Williams returns for Chiefs

Sonny Bill Williams will take the No12 jersey when the Chiefs tackle the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty

Sonny Bill Williams will make his long-awaited return to rugby and take his place at second five-eighth for the Chiefs' clash with the Hurricanes this weekend.

Williams has been absent for more than a month after sustaining a nagging back injury but the All Black will bolster his side's backline at the perfect time.

The Chiefs can clinch fourth spot on the Super Rugby standings with a win in New Plymouth, earning a home match in the first week of the playoffs and avoiding a trip to South Africa or Australia.

Williams' addition will certainly help with that quest, as will the return of lock Matt Symons, who will start for the first time since early May after recovering from his second concussion of the season.

Symons will start in place of Michael Fitzgerald as part of an overhauled forward pack from last weekend's win over the Reds. While the Chiefs' defence was rock solid in Brisbane, the set piece was a shambles and the entire front row has paid the price for that effort.

Hooker Hika Elliot will miss only his second game of the season, with Quentin MacDonald taking the No2 jersey and denying Elliot a chance to register his 100th Super Rugby game. Pauliasi Manu, and Ben Tameifuna will start on either side of MacDonald, with Siate Tokolahi dropping to the bench.

As expected, Sam Cane has been rested from the match to fulfil his All Blacks' requirements, seeing Michael Leitch move to the side of the scrum and Maama Vaipulu coming into the team at No8.

In the backs, Brad Weber will take over the starting halfback duties after a successful spell in the side from Augustine Pulu, while Marty McKenzie retains the No10 jersey and consigns younger brother Damian to the bench.

Williams will join Taranaki captain Charlie Ngatai in midfield and wing James Lowe is also a possibility to return from injury, being bracketed with Hosea Gear.

Chiefs team to face the Hurricanes in New Plymouth on Saturday night:

1. Pauliasi Manu
2. Quentin MacDonald
3. Ben Tameifuna
4. Matt Symons
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Liam Messam (c)
7. Michael Leitch
8. Maama Vaipulu
9. Brad Weber
10. Marty McKenzie
11. James Lowe/Hosea Gear
12. Sonny Bill Williams
13. Charlie Ngatai
14. Bryce Heem
15. Tom Marshall

Reserves
16. Rhys Marshall
17. Siate Tokolahi
18. Jamie Mackintosh
19. Michael Fitzgerald
20. Mitchell Crosswell
21. Augustine Pulu
22. Andrew Horrell
23. Damian McKenzie