A second-half momentum shift saw the Highlanders battle back from a seven-point halftime deficit to down the Chiefs tonight.

The Chiefs will field a significantly different starting 15 when they face the Highlanders in a Super rugby match in Dunedin on Friday night.

First the bad news: the Chiefs have not won a game since April 3 last year. The good news? It was against the Highlanders.

They were missing some quality players but there were enough signs in their first game to suggest that the Chiefs final season with coach Ian Foster could be a troubled one.

The sublime and the ridiculous - once again the Chiefs showcased their excruciating inconsistencies, going down to the Brumbies 20-28 in their opening Super rugby match tonight at Canberra Stadium.

Former All Black skipper Tana Umaga will make his Super rugby return when he runs out for the Chiefs against the Brumbies on Saturday night.

A brief look at the Chiefs Super Rugby Squad for the 2011 season.

Mils Muliaina will be there at the start of the Chiefs' Super rugby campaign and it's a prospect he's relishing.

Chris Lowrey carried some serious rugby promise after his inaugural Blues season.

All Blacks Mils Muliaina and first five-eighth Stephen Donald will feature for the Chiefs in their final Super Rugby pre-season hitout.

New Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett is keen to stamp his mark on the game plan at the Super 15 franchise.

The Chiefs will give 27 players game time in their pre-season match against the Hurricanes in Mangatainoka on Saturday.

Ian Foster expects every player will get the chance to contribute in drive for Super Rugby success.

Estimates from the Blues suggest damaged lock Ali Williams could be ready to start the new Super Rugby series.

The dangerous combination of a weekend of drinking and a sleeping pill resulted in Jarrad Hoeata going on a reckless drive that ended when motorists blocked him off the road.