Three Waikato Chiefs players will make their debuts in Hamilton this weekend, including one stalwart affectionately known at ‘The Beaver'.

World Cup hero Stephen Donald will don the Chiefs jersey for the first time since 2011 when the Chiefs take on the Western Force at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday night.

Waikato Chief's fullback Damian McKenzie in celebration mode after scoring a try against the Lions at FMG Stadium Waikato earlier this month. Photo: Photo: Tracy Hardy

Also making their debuts in Hamilton tomorrow are nippy Manawatu halfback Kayne Hammington and Counties Manukau back Toni Pulu.

Fresh home from a whirlwind international tour to South Africa and Argentina and two important victories against the Southern Kings and Jaguares, the New Zealand Conference leaders are eager to put on a winning performance and secure their first victory at home in 2016.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says the past couple of days has been a lot about recovery and clarity.

'We had a big training day on Thursday in preparation for a side we've always battled against and who'll be looking to bounce back from last week's final 20 minutes.

'While unbeaten on the road, we're keen to front at home for our family, friends and supporters, and we've brought in fresh legs to help with this.”

Rennie has made minimal changes to the team which started against the Jaguares last Saturday in Buenos Aires.

In the forwards, Siate Tokolahi is promoted from the bench to start alongside Mitchell Graham and Hika Elliot.

With Johan Bardoul sidelined with a broken thumb, Taleni Seu gets an opportunity to impress at lock and will team up in the second row with Michael Allardice who is making his fifth consecutive start for the Chiefs.

Loose forwards Tom Sanders, Sam Cane and Michael Leitch combine for the second week in a row.

There are just two changes in the backs, with Brad Weber to start at halfback and Seta Tamanivalu to wear jersey 13, replacing Anton Lienert-Brown who is unavailable for selection due to a minor knee injury.

First five-eighth Aaron Cruden, wing James Lowe, second five-eighth Charlie Ngatai and fullback Damian McKenzie offer continuity and confidence, starting for the fifth consecutive week in a row.

While Sam McNicol has earned his second start following a strong debut performance for the Chiefs against the Jaguares, contributing to the 30-26 scoreline with a brilliant try.

There are wholesale changes in the reserves with only hooker Rhys Marshall backing up from last Saturday's game against the Jaguares.

Bay of Plenty prop Siegfried Fisi'ihoi comes onto the bench to replace Pauliasi Manu who sustained a season-ending Achilles injury at training on Wednesday.

Debutant Fisi'ihoi joins Marshall and Atu Moli as front row cover. James Tucker provides second row cover with Counties Manukau flanker and debutant Sam Henwood rounding out the forward reserves.

Nippy Manawatu halfback Kayne Hammington has had an exciting week, with the 25-year old getting called into the Chiefs squad for the season and making the playing-23.

Veteran utility back Stephen Donald is in line to play his 86th game for the Gallagher Chiefs, five seasons after he last appeared for the side.

Counties Manukau back Toni Pulu has battled his way back from an ankle injury and will make his debut for the Chiefs should he take the field.

The Gallagher Chiefs team to play the Western Force is:

1 - Mitchell Graham

2 - Hika Elliot

3 - Siate Tokolahi

4 - Michael Allardice

5 - Taleni Seu

6 - Tom Sanders

7 - Sam Cane (co-captain)

8 - Michael Leitch

9 - Brad Weber

10 - Aaron Cruden (co-captain)

11 - James Lowe

12 - Charlie Ngatai

13 - Seta Tamanivalu

14 - Sam McNicol

15 - Damian McKenzie

RESERVES:

16 - Rhys Marshall

17 - Atu Moli

18 - Siegfried Fisi'ihoi

19 - James Tucker

20 - Sam Henwood

21 - Kayne Hammington

22 - Stephen Donald

23 - Toni Pulu

The Waikato Chiefs take on the Western Force at FMG stadium Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday night, kick off at 7.35pm.