Messam cannot wait to take on his former team‑mate Michael Leitch

Liam Messam can't wait to take on his former team‑mate Michael Leitch when the Chiefs clash with the Sunwolves in Tokyo this Saturday.

Messam, who has played 165 games for the Chiefs, can also see the influence of his former Maori All Black coach Jamie Joseph rubbing off on the Sunwolves.

The former All Black is also thrilled with the way his team has stepped up following a series of injuries that have ruled out a number of key players already this season.

The Chiefs continue to defy the odds having won back‑to‑back games against the Blues 27‑21 and the Bulls 41‑28 either side of their bye.

The Sunwolves play the Chiefs at 4.15pm on Saturday while the Hurricanes play the Highlanders at 6.35pm.

This Friday, the Crusaders play the Bulls at 6.35pm while the Rebels take on the Sharks at 8.45pm.

On Sunday, the Stormers take on the Reds at 3.15am while the Jaguares play the Lions at 9.40am.

Source: TVNZ