Damian McKenzie will start at fullback in one of four changes to the Chiefs’ team to face the Bulls in Hamilton on Friday.

McKenzie returns to his regular position after starting the season at flyhalf, meaning Tiaan Falcon will wear the No 10 jersey.

There are three changes among the forwards, with lock Mitchell Brown recovering from a concussion to take his place alongside Brodie Retallick.

Brown’s return means that Lachlan Boshier will start at blindside flank. Liam Messam shifts to No 8, with Taleni Seu dropping out of the starting XV.

Tighthead prop Angus Ta’avao enters the front row for the injured Nepo Laulala, while Jeff Thwaites is set to make his debut off the bench as the replacement tighthead.

Chiefs – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sean Wainui, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Fa’auli, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Tiaan Falcon, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Mitchell Brown, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross
Subs: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Michael Allardice, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie/Bailyn Sullivan, 23 Declan O’Donnell

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images