The Chiefs have made four changes ahead of their first Super Rugby home match against the Cheetahs at Waikato Stadium this Saturday.

Hooker Hika Elliot, lock Michael Fitzgerald, halfback Augustine Pulu and mercurial Bay of Plenty winger Lelia Masaga have all been added to the starting line-up.

Tim Nanai-Williams has been retained at centre for this week's clash with the Cheetahs following his two-try performance against the Highlanders in Dunedin last week.

Hika who missed last weekend's match against the Highlanders, has recovered from a torn calf to see him take over the hooking duties from the talented Rhys Marshall while the other three get a chance to impress coach Dave Rennie.

Co-captain Craig Clarke, All Black Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Patrick Osborne and Rhys all move into the reserves.

Dave says out of all the South African sides the Cheetahs probably play a style that is closest to the Chiefs.

'They are innovative and can score tries from anywhere around the park and like all South African sides they are big and physical.

'We had a really free flowing match against them in Bloemfontein last year, and we are expecting them to play a style of game similar to us, which is a free flowing, high paced, ruck and run game.”

The Cheetahs arrive in the country following a 29-22 defeat to the Sharks in what is the first of four matches away from home for the Blomfontein based side.

Chiefs' squad to play the Cheetahs at Waikato Stadium on Saturday at 7.35pm:

1. Pauliasi Manu
2. Hika Elliot
3. Ben Afeaki
4. Michael Fitzgerald
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Liam Messam ©
7. Sam Cane
8. Fritz Lee
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma
12. Bundee Aki
13. Tim Nanai-Williams
14. Lelia Masaga
15. Gareth Anscombe
    
    
16. Rhys Marshall
17. Ben Tameifuna
18. Craig Clarke
19. Tanerau Latimer
20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
21. Charlie Ngatai
22. Patrick Osborne