Former All Blacks lock Ross Filipo is poised to make his Chiefs debut at No.8 when they take on the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth this weekend.
Filipo, who spent six seasons at the Crusaders and picked up three Super Rugby titles, comes in as coach Dave Rennie makes five changes to the starting line-up beaten 36-34 by the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.
Prop Toby Smith, lock Michael Fitzgerald, flanker Tanerau Latimer and five-eighth Andrew Horrell all make the run-on team.
Hooker Rhys Marshall comes onto the bench after travelling from New Zealand during the week as cover for Mahonri Schwalger, out with a knee injury.
The match will be co-captain Liam Messam’s 100th Super Rugby match for the Chiefs.
Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Ross Filipo, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Michael Fitzgerald, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Res: Rhys Marshall, Pauliasi Manu, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Charlie Ngatai, Patrick Osborne.