Andrew Horrell returns as fullback in one of six changes to the Chiefs’ starting line-up for their Super Rugby match against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday night.
Horrell has had two appearances off the bench for the defending champions and New Zealand conference leaders since coming back from an ankle injury suffered against the Waratahs in April.
His availability has created added competition in the backline and results in Robbie Robinson moving from fullback to the left wing in place of Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
In the other changes, winger Lelia Masaga, centre Tim Nanai-Williams, prop Toby Smith, and loose forwards Tanerau Latimer and Liam Messam, who has got over a back injury, also return to the starting team.
The bench features the inclusion of Gareth Anscombe, nine weeks after he broke his foot during training.
Signed from the Blues as a back-up five-eighth, Anscombe has impressed for the Chiefs at fullback, becoming the first player in Super Rugby to reach 100 points this season.
The Chiefs are backing up from their 43-15 defeat to the Crusaders, which knocked them off the top of the overall ladder.
If the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes with maximum points on Friday night, the Chiefs need a point from Eden Park to finish top of the conference.
Like the Hurricanes, the Blues are out of play-off contention but Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is expecting they will want to sign off in style.
“We’re obviously pretty disappointed with our performance last week but we’re excited about the opportunity to redeem ourselves,” Rennie said.
“We know these are traditionally big clashes and know the Blues will want to put in a big performance in their final game of the season.”
Chiefs: Andrew Horrell, Lelia Masaga, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (captain), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith.
Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Pauliasi Manu, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Gareth Anscombe, Asaeli Tikoirotuma.