The Bay of Plenty/Waikato Chiefs are set to take on the Blues tonight in an Investec Super Rugby clash.

Coach Dave Rennie says tonight's game at North Harbour Stadium will be an interesting one.

'Games where the Chiefs play the Blues always have test match intensity and that's what we're preparing for.”

Dave has made several changes to his side for the Saturday night clash.

Flanker Sam Cane, fresh off the All Blacks wider training group camp, gets a start due to Tanerau Latimer's patellar tendonitis.

Craig Clarke has a minor neck injury and both he and Latimer have not bounced back quickly enough for selection, says Dave.

Craig Clarke is replaced by Michael Fitzgerald.

With four fit, in-form props to choose from, Dave has selected Chiefs top try scorer Sona Taumalolo and Ben Afeaki along with newly re-signed hooker Mahonri Schwalger for his starting front row.

Prop Ben Tameifuna is on the bench.

Maritino Nemani swaps places in the No 14 jersey with Lelia Masaga, who moves to the reserves. Lock Romana Graham gets his first call up for the season on the bench.

He is joined by loose forward Scott Waldrom and hooker Hika Elliot.

1.Sona Taumalolo

2.Mahonri Schwalger

3.Ben Afeaki

4.Michael Fitzgerald

5.Brodie Retallick

6.Liam Messam ©

7.Sam Cane

8.Kane Thompson

9.Tawera Kerr-Barlow

10.Aaron Cruden

11.Asaeli Tikoirotuma

12.Sonny Bill Williams

13.Jackson Willison

14.Maritino Nemani

15.Andrew Horrell

16.Hika Elliot

17.Ben Tameifuna

18.Romana Graham

19.Scott Waldrom

20.Brendon Leonard

21.Robbie Robinson

22.Lelia Masaga