New Zealand under-20 halfback Jonathan Taumateine will make his first start for the Chiefs when they clash with the Sunwolves in Hamilton this Saturday night.

The Counties Manukau player gets his chance with Tawera Kerr Barlow being rested after suffering a concussion in their 16-7 win against the Western Force in Perth.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has plenty of faith in the 20-year-old following his impressive display at the Brisbane Global 10s and a couple of cameos off the bench earlier this season.

“We expect Jonathan to bring a lot of energy. He’s probably our fittest player along with Tawera. He’s got great feet and a really good skill set so it’s an exciting opportunity for him.”

Rennie’s hand was forced after back-up halfback Finlay Christie was suspended for three weeks.

He is also in no rush to get Charlie Ngatai back on the field after the All Black centre played his first game of rugby in almost a year for club side University at the weekend.

Ngatai has had a prolonged time out of the game after suffering a serious concussion against the Highlanders in May.