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

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]