Damian McKenzie will start at first five eight for the Chiefs against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night.
This has sparked other backline changes for the Chiefs.
McKenzie will have veteran Stephen Donald outside him at second‑five, with Anton Lienert‑Brown shifting out to start at centre.
21-year-old Northland outside back Solomon Alaimalo will make his Super Rugby debut on the left wing while Shaun Stevenson will start at fullback.
The Chiefs will take on the Rebels at 8.45pm Friday.
