The Chiefs have announced their team to play the Stormers at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Friday night, in what will be their last home game before heading on tour for three weeks.

With a number of players returning from injury, the Chiefs coaches have made many changes to their starting line-up and reserve selections.

Jamie Mackintosh returns to start at prop while Brodie Retallick has been cleared to play and is joined in the locking stocks by Matt Symons.

Liam Messam resumes his position at flanker with Liam Squire starting in the No 8 jersey after a solid performance off the bench last week.

James Lowe gets his first start on the wing and Tom Marshall will make his Chiefs debut after earning 42 Super Rugby caps over three seasons at the Crusaders.

Gareth Anscombe makes his long awaited return to rugby at fullback in his first match of the season. Pauliasi Manu, Michael Fitzgerald, Robbie Fruean and Asaeli Tikoirotuma all move to the bench.

The match will mark inspirational Chiefs player Tanerau Latimer's 100th Super Rugby match; an occasion he will mark alongside Stormers captain Jean de Villiers.

Chiefs Coach Dave Rennie said, "Over the last couple of years the Stormers have had the best defensive record in the competition and you saw why against the Crusaders.

"They obviously have a lot of character in their group and they are going to be a tough defensive unit to crack."

Chiefs XV

1. Jamie Mackintosh

2. Mahonri Schwalger

3. Ben Tameifuna

4. Matt Symons

5. Brodie Retallick

6. Liam Messam

7. Tanerau Latimer

8. Liam Squire

9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow

10. Aaron Cruden (C)

11. James Lowe

12. Tom Marshall

13. Charlie Ngatai

14. Tim Nanai-Williams

15. Gareth Anscombe

Replacements

16. Rhys Marshall

17. Pauliasi Manu

18. Josh Hohneck

19. Michael Fitzgerald

20. Tevita Koloamatangi

21. Brad Webber

22. Robbie Fruean

23. Asaeli Tikoirotuma