Sam Cane returns to Chiefs line-up for Super Rugby Aotearoa game against Crusaders

Chiefs have received much-needed boost ahead of their upcoming Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against Crusaders with skipper Sam Cane returning to the line-up following a recovery from a stiff back.

Cane will take position at openside flanker with Lachlan Boshier moving to blindside replacing injured Luke Jacobson.

Meanwhile, Solomon Alaimalo has been drafted into the right wing with Shaun Stevenson out of matchday squad while Bradley Slater and Mitchell Brown has been preferred at hooker and lock respectively.

“We were disappointed with our performance against the Blues on Saturday and we know we are better than that,” said Chiefs head coach Warren Gatland.

“We are under no illusion that this weekend will be another challenging game, the Crusaders are a sharp team and can quickly punish teams for their mistakes.

"We need to be alert when we are defending and sharp on attack to allow us to capitalise on any opportunities presented to us.”

Chiefs starting XV: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Solomon Alaimalo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Sean Wainui, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4 Mitchell Brown, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Aidan Ross

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Reuben O’Neill, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Mitchell Karpik, 21 Lisati Milo-Harris, 22 Kaleb Trask, 23 Tumua Manu