The Chiefs have named an imposing and experienced squad for their crucial match with the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has made five changes to the starting line-up which dismantled the Cheetahs 45-3 at Hamilton last weekend in an attempt to freshen up the side ahead of their two matches in South Africa.

Tickets have gone on sale for the Chiefs highly anticipated clash with the Blues at ASB Baypark Stadium on March 30.

Samoan hooker Mahonri Schwalger starts in place of Hika Elliot and former All Black Tanerau Latimer gets a chance at blindside flanker for the first time this season, while co-captain Craig Clarke resumes his starting spot at lock and Liam Messam moves to number eight.

Charlie Ngatai starts in the midfield replacing Bundee Aki, All Black Tawera Kerr Barlow is restored at halfback, ex Highlanders and Hurricanes forward Nick Crosswell makes his debut for the Chiefs from the bench and outside back Andrew Horrell comes back in from injury.

By naming Tanerau on the flank the Chiefs can now lay claim to a skilful and athletic international back row including Liam and Sam Cane who have been impressive in the opening two matches of the season.

On March 30, the Chiefs will host the high flying Blues at ASB Baypark Stadium, Mt Maunganui in what is being described as a highly anticipated clash of the season with tickets already on sale.

Chiefs Commercial and Marketing manager Sean Austin says the match is building up to be an epic contest if both teams carry on from recent performances.

'We know that support from the entire Chiefs region is critical to our success, so it's great to be able to take our games to other parts of Chiefs country.

'The timing is a great with the holiday maker's influx into the region, so we hope fans come out and make the most of their Easter weekend holiday and enjoy the action that only live Investec Super Rugby offers.”

The Chiefs team will take part in planned community engagements prior to the match in Mount Maunganui, which will be announced closer to the game.

Chiefs squad to face the Stormers in Cape Town (4.05am Sunday):

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