Fruean back for Chiefs

Robbie Fruean will start at outside centre for the Chiefs against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

Fruean's last Super Rugby appearance was against the Stormers in mid-March, when the 25-year-old complained of shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and underwent a surgical procedure.

Scrumhalf Augustine Pulu also makes his comeback after a knee operation. 

All Blacks Aaron Cruden, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick all come straight back into the starting XV, with Gareth Anscombe given the nod to start at fullback.

Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has selected Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa – who all started last weekend's third Test for the All Blacks against England in Hamilton – as well as Patrick Osborne, who joined the All Blacks squad as injury cover.

Hooker Brayden Mitchell and lock Tom Franklin have played themselves into the run-on side after impressing against the New Zealand Barbarians in Invercargill last weekend.

Lee Allen comes onto the replacements bench as back row cover after TJ Ioane sustained an ankle injury during training this week.

Highlanders – 15 Ben Smith, 14 Richard Buckman, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 Shane Christie, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Tom Franklin, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Brayden Mitchell, 1 Kane Hames.
Subs: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Matias Diaz, 18 Chris King, 19 Josh Bekhuis, 20 Lee Allan, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Hayden Parker, 23 Phil Burleigh.

Chiefs – 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Dwayne Sweeney, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Tom Marshall, 10 Aaron Cruden (c), 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Liam Squire, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Michael Fitzgerald, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Pauliasi Manu.
Subs: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Jamie Mackintosh, 18 Josh Hohneck, 19 Matt Symons, 20 Tevita Koloamatangi, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Tim Nanai-Williams, 23 James Lowe.

Photo: Martin Hunter/Getty Images

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