The defending champion Chiefs have thrown Blues discard Gareth Anscombe a Super Rugby lifeline

They signed the flyhalf for the 2013 season, after he was de-listed by the Blues.

Anscombe's move comes after some superb form for Auckland in the NPC.

However, he is unlikely to start many games, with All Black stand-in No.10 Aaron Cruden the starting flyhalf at the Chiefs.

Anscombe, one of the form No.10s in this year's NPC with Auckland, was surprisingly de-listed from the Blues by incoming coach John Kirwan.

"We initially were not looking for a flyhalf, but when a player of Gareth's quality becomes available, we were quick to snap him up," Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said.

Anscombe has played two seasons with the Blues and this is his third NPC campaign with Auckland, having played for them since his first year out of school in 2010.

He is comfortably the leading point-scorer in the competition with 156 points.

He was also the top point scorer at the 2011 junior world championship.

Anscombe made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2011.