Chiefs ring the changes

season’s start, who filled in at No 10 in the opening match of the season and was unused on the bench last weekend – has been selected to take Lienert-Brown’s spot at second five-eighth. Nankivell comes into the reserves, being eased back after one full training week under his belt.

‘‘Putting him into the starting lineup might have been a bridge too far him,’’ Matson said. ‘‘So getting some time off the bench this week, I think is really critical for his campaign. His inclusion into the 23 is a reflection of a pretty good pre-season and some leadership characteristics that we’re keen on.’’

The other change to the backline sees Weber return to start, with Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi dropping to the bench in place of Jonathan Taumateine.

In the pack, with Ardron out, Taleni Seu gets promoted to start at the back of the scrum, with Jesse Parete into the reserves. There is a further change in the loose trio, with Mitchell Karpik also promoted to start at openside, which sends Lachlan Boshier to the bench, which Matson said was about spreading minutes in a key position, particularly with a couple of New Zealand derbies coming up.

In the front row, prop Angus Ta’avao is back from his All Blacks rest, while with hooker Liam Polwart still dealing with a concussion, Samisoni Taukei’aho will start and Bradley Slater – son of former Taranaki lock/loose forward Andy Slater – is named for a debut off the bench.

While the Sunwolves were unlucky in a one-point loss to the Waratahs last weekend and Matson noted they have some added firepower this year, the Chiefs have had their own backyard to sort out after their horror show against the Brumbies.

‘‘Probably the big thing for us is getting our own game in order,’’ Matson said.

‘‘There’s been a massive focus this week on defence, and not only having a defensive edge, but having a physical edge that comes with it.

‘‘We’ve been very poor, and we need to sharpen up if we’re going to contain them.’’