All Black reserve halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow is returning to the Chiefs’ starting 15 among several changes for their must-win Super Rugby game against the Hurricanes in Hamilton.

Jamie Mackintosh comes in at prop, with Charlie Ngatai and Tim Nanai-Williams returning in the midfield.

Asaeli Tikoirotuma and James Lowe start on the wings with Tom Marshall at fullback.

Hooker Rhys Marshall comes onto the bench and is joined by prop Nick Barrett who has the chance to make his Super Rugby debut with Josh Hohneck out due to a broken thumb.

Augustine Pulu, Gareth Anscombe and Bundee Aki all move to the bench.

The Chiefs must win Friday’s game to keep their title defence alive after losing 29-25 to the Highlanders last week.

It is expected to be the Chiefs’ last home game for the season and and will mark the official farewell for Tanerau Latimer, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Bundee Aki and Mils Muliaina who are all heading offshore to continue their careers.

Chiefs fans are being called to fill Waikato Stadium and support their team.

“Having our home crowd support makes a huge difference to the team,” co-captain Liam Messam said.

“With the New Zealand Conference so close, that huge vocal support is going to be important. We know how crucial this match is and want to play well for our fans and our boys leaving.”

Chiefs: Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Tim Nanai-Williams, Charlie Ngatai, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Squire, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Mike Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger, Jamie Mackintosh, Tom Marshall. Res: Bundee Aki, Gareth Anscombe, Augustine Pulu, Tevita Koloamatangi, Matt Symons, Nick Barrett, Pauliasi Manu, Rhys Marshall.