The Chiefs welcome back hooker Hika Elliot for their match against the Cheetahs in Hamilton on Saturday night.
Elliot was a late scratching for their victory over the Highlanders in Dunedin last weekend due to a calf injury and replaces Rhys Marshall.
In another three changes to the starting line-up, lock Michael Fitzgerald comes in for Craig Clarke, halfback Augustine Pulu is in for Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Lelia Masaga replaces wing Patrick Osborne.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is wary of a Cheetahs side which lost to the Sharks in their opening game, but there is no doubt he is taking the chance to rest co-captain Clarke and All Blacks halfback Kerr-Barlow.
Rennie said: "Out of all the South African sides the Cheetahs probably play a style that is closest to ours. They are innovative and can score tries from anywhere around the park and like all South African sides they are big and physical.
