Loose forward Tevita Koloamatangi will make his debut for the Chiefs as they begin their Super rugby title defence against the Crusaders.
The 25-year-old will wear the No.7 jersey for the Chiefs on Friday after injuries to both Sam Cane and Tanerau Latimer.
Centre Robbie Fruean and prop Jamie Mackintosh will both play their first games for the Chiefs, while the reserves bench includes a number of players who will make their first Super Rugby appearance if they get on the pitch.
Hooker Nathan Harris and winger James Lowe have spots on the bench, while forwards Matt Symons and Liam Squire, both potential debutants, are bracketed for a bench spot.
The other potential debutant is Anton Lienert-Brown, who will sit on the bench if utility back Andrew Horrell isn’t fit enough.
The match also sees the return of former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina for his first match on New Zealand soil since the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
“The boys have been training since November and we have been planning since August, so we are really looking forward to the competition starting properly,” coach Dave Rennie said.
“We have a lot of respect for the Crusaders and are excited by this match-up.”
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