Messam To Come Off Bench For The Chiefs Against The Reds

Liam Messam will slot straight back into the Chiefs, days after being overlooked for the Olympic sevens squad.

Assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge has confirmed Messam will come off the bench against the Reds on Friday.

Strawbridge said Messam brings a wealth of experience.

"He's a bit of an iconic individual for us - 140 odd games experience and he's very, very energetic and enthusiastic."

All Blacks halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow will also start, having come off the bench against the Crusaders.

However All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick will have a week off from Super Rugby.

Strawbridge said it'll be a well deserved rest.

"He had the highest amount of minutes with the All Blacks, and he's had a lot of time with us so he's not going to be stripping this weekend."

The Crusaders have made the same decision over captain Kieran Read, who will sit out this week's game against the Rebels.

Both Retallick and Read played in the game in Suva last week, despite having already endured large workload for the All Blacks.

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