After walking away from a lucrative deal in France to return to New Zealand, Chiefs first-five Aaron Cruden says that he's returned home to win - before leaving once again.
Cruden, 31, made his Super Rugby comeback in last night's 37-29 victory over the Blues at Eden Park, helping the Chiefs recover from a 14-point half-time deficit to open their season in style.
The 50-Test All Black was at the peak of his powers against the Blues, with a number of deft kicks and incisive runs, as well as playing a vital role in Solomon Alaimalo's try to put the Chiefs into the lead.
Cruden's night was capped off with a crucial drop goal, before sealing the victory with a penalty kick.
Speaking to Stuff, Cruden opened up about his desire for short-term success with the Chiefs, before he joins Japanese side Kobelco Steelers at the end of the current season.
"If I can add any experience or guidance to those young players, I'll be really happy with that. But also, I'm a competitor, so I want to win," he said.
"I wouldn't have come back to play if I didn't want to be a part of a team that had ambitions to win a title and this team certainly has those ambitions.
"This was a great start, but we know there's a lot of work to be done before the end of the season."
Cruden and the Chiefs are next in action against the defending champion Crusaders next Saturday.
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