All Blacks and Waikato lock Tupou Vaa’i will be making his return to the starting lineup after missing out last week.
And the big man could light a fire under the Chiefs, as he has got the willpower, aggression, and class to help captain Luke Jacobson motivate the team and ensure they reward their supporters with a robust performance.
He is joined by prop Reuben O'Neill, who will be running out for his 50th cap.
Alongside O’Neill, Ollie Norris will make his first start this year after coming back from injury via the bench.
Kaylum Boshier starts at No 8 with Simon Parker set to make an impact off the bench.
With Damian McKenzie unavailable due to a concussion, Liam Coombes-Fabling will start at fullback for the home team.
However, the Waratahs will be confident after their excellent effort last weekend when they beat the Brumbies 30-28.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has brought Triston Reilly into the midfield, while Charlie Gamble will introduce his usual tenacious attitude to the scraps at the breakdowns.
The Chiefs have won their last three consecutive Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific meetings with the Waratahs in New Zealand.
The Chiefs play the Waratahs at 6.05 tonight.
In the other game, the Reds host the Force at 8.35pm.
Source: stuff.co.nz
