Star first five-eight Aaron Cruden is expected to arrive into the country with the Chiefs today.

According to media reports in New Zealand, Cruden  has made  good  progress from the concussion which ruled him out of the game against the Reds in New Plymouth.

Cruden underwent a contact training session yesterday afternoon just to ensure that he is ready for the clash against the unbeaten Crusaders at the ANZ Stadium, Suva, on Friday night.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie also confirmed that co-captain Sam Cane was in Fiji last week on a scouting mission before he returned home last weekend. On Cruden, Rennie says, they had a couple of training runs with the squad last week before they regrouped yesterday.

“It gave him an extra week,” he said of Cruden.

Rennie said Cruden’s absence has allowed veteran Stephen Donald to notch up his 98th match for the franchise while also reminding plenty of people that he can still play at that level as he has crossed for two tries.

MESSAM: NEED TO TASTE KAVA

Powerhouse Chief’s flanker Liam Messam is looking forward to be in Suva and feel the taste of kava as he unwinds after taking on the Super Rugby giants   Crusaders.

“I had played in Suva last year and I’m really looking forward to get back to the island and spreading the love as I’m sure the Fijians are crazy rugby supporters,” Messam said.

“I’m actually looking forward to getting there and trying out some local kava which is like gold at the moment and it is like $120 a kilogramme.”

The Super Rugby Chiefs v Crusaders clash kicks off at 7:35pm on Friday at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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