Kahui back – on the bench

All Blacks star Richard Kahui is to return to top rugby for Waikato via the bench against North Harbour at Albany on Saturday night after getting the all-clear from medical staff.

His inclusion in the reserves for the ITM Cup match at North Harbour Stadium is one of three changes to the Waikato bench to accommodate players returning from injury and illness, with the starting XV having only one change.

The change to the starting line-up sees Brendon Leonard return at halfback in place of Tawera Kerr-Barlow while prop Ben May, who has returned from back and knee injuries after a prolonged absence, and lock Romana Graham, who has recovered from the illness that kept him out last week, come into the reserves.

It is understood the coaches had been tempted to start Kahui at centre, but instead went with the player who has worn the 13 jersey in the first five matches of the competition, Save Tokula, and put Kahui in the reserves.

Kahui has had a frustrating couple of years due to injury, having missed most of last year after his second shoulder reconstruction, struggling with form once he returned to the Chiefs earlier this year and then suffering a sterno-clavicular/rib injury that curtailed his Super 14 involvement.

On his return to action for the All Blacks, he got through two matches against Wales but in the opening Tri-Nations clash with the Springboks at Eden Park on July 10 he fractured his right shoulder socket and has been out of action ever since.

WAIKATO

Sosene Anesi, Tim Mikkelson, Save Tokula, Christian Lealiifano, Dwayne Sweeney, Trent Renata, Brendon Leonard, Steven Setephano, Jack Lam, Liam Messam, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Toby Lynn, Nathan White (c), Aled de Malmanche, Toby Smith. Res: Vern Kamo, Ben May, Romana Graham, Matt Vant Leven, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Richard Kahui, Sam Christie.

- © Fairfax NZ News