All Black Brodie Retallick has returned to the Chiefs line-up for their game against the Rebels.
The lock hasn’t played since round 8 of this season’s Super Rugby but will come straight into the starting XV alongside Tyler Ardron in the engine room.
Alongside Retallick front-row Angus Ta’avao and hooker Nathan Harris have also come back into the team.
Chiefs coach Colin Cooper has not changed his side too much from the one that defeated Crusaders two weeks ago but is delighted by the returns of his key men.
“It is great to have key men like Brodie and Nathan return for this game. We are really looking forward to taking on the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night. There’s plenty to play for, for both teams. It will be a fantastic contest for spectators to enjoy. The team is excited to don the Gallagher Chiefs jersey and put on performance our fans will be proud of back at home,” he said.
Retallick’s return comes not long after that of co-captain Sam Cane’s which boosts the Chiefs options ahead of their potential play-offs.
The Chiefs would more than likely secure a quarter-final spot if they can beat the Rebels in Melbourne, a team that was hammered 66-0 by the Crusaders last week, but the Chiefs know that they will not have an easy game this week.
No matter what happens it will be crucial game time for key man in the All Blacks ranks ahead of the World Cup.
