Bundee Aki and Patrick Osborne will make their Super Rugby debuts when the injury-hit Chiefs begin their title defence against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday.

Aki will wear the No.12 spot vacated by Sonny Bill Williams’s return to the NRL, while Osborne will be on the right wing.

Tim Nanai-Williams usually used at wing or fullback, will operate at outside centre, while Gareth Anscombe, recruited as back-up five-eighth, will play fullback.

The Chiefs are missing fullback Robbie Robinson, centre Richard Kahui, utility Andrew Horrell and halfback Brendon Leonard through injury.

Hooker Rhys Marshall is in line to get his first taste of Super Rugby, having been named on the bench.

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Patrick Osborne, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Res: Rhys Marshall, Ben Tameifuna, Michael Fitzgerald, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Charlie Ngatai, Lelia Masaga.