A frantic final flourish from the Chiefs subs bench is seeing them rewarded with a chance to finish the side's South African tour on a high note against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

After salvaging a draw following a 19-point haul in the final eleven minutes against the Bulls in Pretoria, the Chiefs have made 10 changes to their line-up.

Chiefs' player Tim Nanai-Williams makes a break during the side's pre-season match with the Blues in Rotorua. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

There are two changes in the loose forwards with regular lock Michael Fitzgerald moving to blindside flanker in a reshuffled look. Fitzgerald is joined by Sam Cane, replacing Tanerau Latimer, while Liam Messam switches to the back of the scrum for Kane Thompson.

In the backs Augustine Pulu takes over from Tawera Kerr-Barlow at halfback and Tim Nanai-Williams and Gareth Anscombe will start at winger and fullback. The trio all played vital roles in the side's comeback against the Bulls, injecting much-needed attacking spark with Anscombe crossing for a try.

Chiefs hooker Mahonri Schwalger has been replaced on the bench by Bay of Plenty's Nathan Harris after experiencing an eye issue forcing him to return home.

The defending champions are also without the services of prop Ben Afeaki, sent home as a safety measure, after receiving a knock at training prior to the Bulls' game.

A new addition to the reserves this week is Liam Squire while Latimer, Kerr-Barlow and outside backs Anton Lienert-Brown and Mils Muliana move from the starting side to the bench.

Despite the last-gasp draw, the Chiefs remain top of the New Zealand conference with three wins, a draw and a loss – one point clear of the resurgent Blues, and third in the overall standings.

The Cheetahs remain firmly on the bottom of the table after four successive losses before last weekend's bye.

The Chiefs side to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein (this Saturday, 3pm local time):

1. Pauliasi Manu
2. Rhys Marshall
3. Ben Tameifuna
4. Matt Symons
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Michael Fitzgerald
7. Sam Cane
8. Liam Messam (VC)
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Aaron Cruden ©
11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma
12. Tom Marshall
13. Andrew Horrell
14. Tim Nanai-Williams
15. Gareth Anscombe
16. Nathan Harris
17. Jamie Mackintosh
18. Josh Hohneck
19. Liam Squire
20. Tanerau Latimer
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
22. Anton Lienert-Brown
23. Mils Muliaina