Loose forward Liam Messam has got over a calf problem and will lead the Chiefs in their opening Super Rugby match against the Highlanders in Hamilton on Saturday night.

Messam, who will play as blindside flanker, sat out the Chiefs’ three pre-season hit-outs after picking up the injury while warming up against the Rebels in Melbourne three weeks ago.

New coach Dave Rennie has named a strong backline, featuring All Blacks Brendon Leonard, Aaron Cruden, Sonny Bill Williams and Richard Kahui.

Robbie Robinson will start at fullback against his former team.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph had delayed confirming his line-up until Friday morning because of a lengthy casualty list.

Tighthead props Chris King and Ma’afu Fia are among those in doubt, while several other players, including All Blacks fly-half Colin Slade, who is recovering from a hernia operation, remain unavailable.

Chiefs: Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams, Aaron Cruden, Brendon Leonard, Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, Liam Messam (capt), Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo. Res: Mahonri Schwalger, Toby Smith, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.