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7 April, 2026, 2:19 am
Central - 23°C Rain
7 April, 2026, 2:19 am Central - 23°C Rain

Cruden to start from the bench, while 21-year-old Trask starts at first-five

Cruden to start from the bench, while 21-year-old Trask starts at first-five

By Navitalai Naivalurua
12/06/2020
Aaron Cruden of the Chiefs makes a pass against the Crusaders [Image: TVNZ]

Former All Black first five-eighth Aaron Cruden will be starting from the bench against the Highlanders in tomorrow nights Super Rugby Aotearoa opener.

Cruden signed for the Chiefs last November after his 3-year contract playing for French Top 14 side Montpellier ended.

Chiefs coach Warren Gatland has opted to start 21-year-old Kaleb Trask at first-five eighth.

TVNZ reports Trask has just played his fifth Super Rugby tournament at first five-eighth for the Chiefs while Cruden is a more experienced player in the position.

All Blacks duo Nepo Laulala and Luke Jacobson will both start, while Lachlan Boshier moves to openside flanker with Sam Cane ruled out.

Fiji-born player Pita Gus-Sowaikula will start in the number 8 jersey for the Chiefs tomorrow.

The Chiefs will face the Highlanders at 7.05pm tomorrow while the Blues will take on the Hurricanes at 3.35pm Sunday.

[Source: TVNZ]

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