Japan prop Hiroshi Yamashita has been included among four Super Rugby debutants in the Chiefs' starting line-up for their opening-round clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Winger Shaun Stevenson, No.8 Tom Sanders and blindside flanker Taleni Seu are the other newcomers in run-on 15.
Sanders and Seu will form a loose trio on Saturday with co-captain and All Blacks openside Sam Cane.
Outside back Latu Vaeno is in line to get his first Super Rugby appearance, having been included on the bench.
At five-eighth, co-captain Aaron Cruden makes his long-awaited comeback in the competition.
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Cruden suffered a knee injury last April that ruled him out of the All Blacks' defence of the World Cup.
Coach Dave Rennie says he's pleased with how the pre-season went for the Chiefs.
"We're really happy with the hard work and development that's gone into the past three months," he said.
"History tells us that Chiefs and Crusaders clashes are physical and high-paced encounters and I'm sure this weekend will be no different."
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden (co-capt), Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tom Sanders, Sam Cane (co-capt), Taleni Seu, Brodie Retallick, Michael Allardice, Hiroshi Yamashita, Rhys Marshall, Pauliasi Manu.
Reserves: Nathan Harris, Mitchell Graham, Siate Tokolahi, Maama Vaipulu, Johan Bardoul, Brad Weber, Anton Lienert-Brown, Latu Vaeno.
