Blues clear Patrick Tuipulotu to make early return for Saturday's Super Rugby final against Chiefs

Originally looking at a six-to-seven week recovery period from a medial ligament tear in his knee, Tuipulotu had a gym session on Monday then a field training session yesterday.

Team Doctor James McGarvey says Tuipulotu was able to do everything rugby related in training with minimal symptoms.

Bryce Heem returns from injury off the bench after a month sidelined with a calf issue.

The Chiefs welcome back Shaun Stevenson after he was ruled out prior to kick-off against the Hurricanes, while Tyrone Thompson takes the injured Samisoni Taukei'aho's starting hooker berth.

SUPER RUGBY COVERAGE WITH HABIT HEALTH. TACKLING ALL YOUR ACHES AND PAINS FROM SPORT AND WORK.