The return of prop Ben Tameifuna and lock Michael Fitzgerald are among three changes to the Chiefs' starting side to face the Blues in New Plymouth on Friday night.
Tameifuna comes in for Josh Hohneck, who moves to the bench, while Fitzgerald replaces Ross Filipo.
The other change for the defending Super Rugby champions is the inclusion of Bundee Aki at inside centre as part of a reshuffled backline.
On the bench, hard-running loose forward Liam Squire makes his comeback after a spell out because of concussion.
The Chiefs moved back top of the New Zealand conference after their 38-8 victory over Lions last week.
But just five points separate them from the Blues, who are bottom of the conference.
"Traditionally, our games against the Blues have been real ding-dong battles," Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said.
"With not much between any team in the New Zealand conference, it's a massive game for both sides."
Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Dwayne Sweeney, Tim Nanai-Williams, Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Gareth Anscombe, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam (captain), Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer, Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Nathan Harris, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Hohneck, Matt Symons, Liam Squire, Brad Weber, Andrew Horrell, Anton Lienert-Brown.
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