Another new look Chiefs side are being tasked with claiming the franchise's first victory in four weeks but will have to do so without their inspirational co-captains.

Tomorrow night the defending champions face a strong Melbourne Rebels side in Hamilton as they look to rectify a number of sluggish starts to get their season back.

Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick claims a lineout during last year's Super Rugby Season. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

And for the first time since 2008, neither Liam Messam nor Aaron Cruden will take the field for the Chiefs - Messam given a chance to start from the bench while Cruden is out for six weeks with a broken thumb.

The All Black loose forward has played three straight seasons without missing a start, while Cruden has impressively held on to the No. 10 jersey in every match since arriving with coach Dave Rennie in 2012.

After clawing back their second consecutive draw with a comeback 43 all draw against the Cheetahs, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is yet again rotating his players making eight changes to the starting line-up.

In the forwards, prop Jamie Mackintosh, flanker Tanerau Latimer and Kane Thompson all return with Thompson taking over at No. 8 from Messam with Michael Fitzgerald shifting from flanker to lock.

The omission of Messam and Cruden gives lock Brodie Retallick a shot with the captain's armband.

Gareth Anscombe gets his long awaited start at first five-eighth with Bundee Aki at second five- eighth. Aki will play his first match of the season after having shoulder surgery in the off season.

Mils Muliaina moves to the left wing and Tom Marshall shifts to fullback.

There are four changes to the bench from last week with prop Pauliasi Manu joining Ross Filipo, who gets the chance to have his first match of the season. Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Anton Lienert-Brown also add some spark from the bench.

Jordan Payne gets the opportunity to make his Chiefs debut off the bench and could be the ninth new Chief this season to take the field.

Rennie admits the side is pleased to be back home after returning from the South African leg of the season with a loss to the Force and nailbiting draws against the Bulls and Cheetahs.

But he remains wary of the much improved Rebels, who continue to pose as stern opposition following previous years as the competition's easy beats.

'All the Australian sides have been impressive this year and the Rebels are in good form having recently beaten the Brumbies and narrowly losing to the Highlanders.”

Chiefs side to face the Melbourne Rebels in Hamilton on Saturday:

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