Defending Super Rugby champions the Chiefs have made nine changes to their starting line-up in a bid to reverse their form slump against the Lions in Hamilton on Saturday.
The Chiefs lost their 2013 final rematch to the Brumbies 41-23 on Anzac Day and have won just one of their past six games.
In the forwards, hooker Nathan Harris and prop Josh Hohneck get their first start of the season while Tanerau Latimer moves into the No.6 jersey.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow will start at halfback with James Lowe getting his first start on the wing since returning from injury and Dwayne Sweeney starts on the right wing.
Tom Marshall comes in at inside centre and is joined in the midfield by Charlie Ngatai.
Tim Nanai-Williams moves from the wing to fullback.
In the five changes to the bench, Mahonri Schwalger is joined by Ben Tameifuna for the first time this season. Mike Fitzgerald, Andrew Horrell and Bundee Aki all make up the new additions to the bench.
"We know we are in control of our own destiny and this is a defining match for us," Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said.
"We have boxed ourselves into a corner with recent results and now we need to come out fighting."
Chiefs: Dwayne Sweeney, Charlie Ngatai, Tom Marshall, James Lowe, Gareth Anscombe, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam (captain), Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer, Brodie Retallick, Ross Filipo, Josh Hohneck, Nathan Harris, Pauliasi Manu, Tim Nanai-Williams. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Jamie Mackintosh, Ben Tameifuna, Matt Symons, Mike Fitzgerald, Brad Weber, Bundee Aki, Andrew Horrell.
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