Talismanic Chiefs' co-captain Liam Messam headlines a number of changes to the side ahead of their crucial final round match against the Blues at Eden Park tonight.

The All Black No.6 hurt his back last week and was a late withdrawal from last week's emphatic 43-15 loss to the Crusaders.

Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam makes a welcome return to the side after a back strain ruled him out of last week's loss to the Crusaders.

Without Messam the Chiefs' were outplayed and out thought and it is hoped his return will kick-start the defending champions back into action one week out from the playoffs.

The Chiefs need to beat the Blues to not only finish a top of the New Zealand Conference but finish in the top two overall for a quarterfinal bye and a home semifinal.

In total Chiefs' coach Dave Rennie has made six changes, three in the forwards and three in the backs, following their fourth loss of the season.

Along with Messam, Toby Smith takes over at loosehead prop from Pauliasi Manu and Tanerau Latimer once again taking over from All Black Sam Cane at openside flanker.

Cane along with Manu head to the bench, leaving no room for prop Ben Afeaki in the 22.

In the backs, Robbie Robinson retains his spot in the 15 this week moving to the left wing in place of Asaeli Tikoirotuma to accommodate Andrew Horrell at fullback, Lelia Masaga comes on to the right wing for Patrick Osborne and Tim Nanai-Williams slots back in at centre instead of Cahrlie Ngatai.

After being sidelined by a broken foot for the last nine weeks, super boot Gareth Anscombe returns via the reserves bench joined by Tikoirotuma.

Dave Rennie says the side is obviously disappointed about last week but are buoyed by the shot at redemption in what is also round two of the battle of the bombays.

'We know these are traditionally big clashes and know the Blues will want to put in a big performance in their final game of the season.”

Chiefs' squad to face the Blues at Eden Park, Auckland tomorrow (7.35pm):

1. Toby Smith
2. Hika Elliot
3. Ben Tameifuna
4. Craig Clarke ©
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Liam Messam
7. Tanerau Latimer
8. Matt Vant Leven
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
10. Aaron Cruden
11. Robbie Robinson
12. Bundee Aki
13. Tim Nanai-Williams
14. Lelia Masaga
15. Andrew Horrell
16. Mahonri Schwalger
17. Pauliasi Manu
18. Michael Fitzgerald
19. Sam Cane
20. Augustine Pulu
21. Gareth Anscombe
22. Asaeli Tikoirotuma