Eight changes have been made to the Chiefs starting line-up for their Super Rugby match against the Melbourne Rebels in Hamilton on Saturday.

Prop Jamie Mackintosh, lock Michael Fitzgerald and flanker Tanerau Latimer return to the forwards, while Kane Thompson will start at No.8 and Liam Messam moves to the bench.

Brodie Retallick takes over the captaincy for the match.

Gareth Anscombe gets his long-awaited start at No.10, with Bundee Aki at inside centre in his first match after having shoulder surgery in the off-season.

Former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina moves to the left wing and Tom Marshall shifts to fullback.

There have been four changes to the bench from last week. Pauliasi Manu moves to the bench and is joined by Ross Filipo, keen to have his first match of the season.

Jordan Payne gets the opportunity to make his Chiefs’ debut off the bench, and could be the ninth new Chief this season to take the field.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says the team is pleased to be back home after a challenging South African tour, and expects the Rebels to provide a real test.

“All the Australian sides have been impressive this year, and the Rebels are in good form having recently beaten the Brumbies and narrowly losing to the Highlanders.”

Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Tim Nanai-Williams, Andrew Horrell, Bundee Aki, Mils Muliaina, Gareth Anscombe, Augustine Pulu, Kane Thompson, Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer, Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Rhys Marshall, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Pauliasi Manu, Josh Hohneck, Ross Filipo, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordan Payne.