Former Crusader and now New Zealand heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Bill Williams has been thrown straight into the starting line-up for the Chiefs when they will take on the Highlanders on Saturday night.

Sonny Bill will start alongside Richard Kahui with former Hurricanes pivot Aaron Cruden running the back-line at flyhalf partnered by Brendon Leonard at half-back.

Meanwhile the Highlanders have been forced to delay naming their team until tomorrow due to final fitness testing of injured players.

Fijian born Asaeli Tikoirotuma is on the bench for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs host the Highlanders at 6.35pm Saturday.

Tomorrow at 6.35pm the Blues will take on the Crusaders in the opening match of the Super Rugby season and at 8.40pm, the Brumbies will play Force in Canberra.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi