With a sole win in six weeks, the Chiefs are in desperately trying to find the winning rhythm with 14 changes to face the Lions in Hamilton tonight.

Gareth Anscombe is under pressure to re-ignite the Chiefs attacking prowess. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

After two consecutive losses, including a 41-23 defeat to the Brumbies last week, the defending champions suddenly find themselves clinging on with the competition front runners – second in the New Zealand conference and fifth overall.

But real concern lies in the disappearance of the side's trademark attacking flair and try scoring ability following a thumb injury to first five eighth Aaron Cruden with Gareth Anscombe struggling to bring the same momentum.

Of these 14 changes, nine are to the personnel on the starting team.

Te Puke hooker Nathan Harris and prop Josh Hohneck get their first starts of the season, while recent Chiefs centurion Tanerau Latimer returns from an Achilles injury moving into the No. 6 jersey.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow returns from concussion to start at halfback with James Lowe getting his first start on the wing since returning from injury. Tom Marshall moves in from fullback to second five-eighth and is joined in the midfield by Charlie Ngatai.

Dwayne Sweeney starts on the right wing and Tim Nanai-Williams moves from the wing back to fullback.

In the five changes to the bench, hooker Mahonri Schwalger moves to the reserves and is joined by prop Ben Tameifuna for the first time this season. Lock Mike Fitzgerald, and backs Andrew Horrell and Bundee Aki all make up the new additions to the bench.

After the patch six weeks and the two consecutive losses, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie knows the clash with the Lions is a must-win game if his team is to force their way back into contention.

"We know we are in control of our own destiny and this is a defining match for us," says Rennie.

"We have boxed ourselves into a corner with recent results and now we need to come out fighting."

Chiefs side to face the Lions at Waikato Stadium on Saturday (7.35pm):

1. Pauliasi Manu
2. Nathan Harris
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Ross Filipo
5. Brodie Retallick
6. Tanerau Latimer
7. Sam Cane
8. Liam Messam ©
9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow
10. Gareth Anscombe
11. James Lowe
12. Tom Marshall
13. Charlie Ngatai
14. Dwayne Sweeney
15. Tim Nanai-Williams
16. Mahonri Schwalger
17. Jamie Mackintosh
18. Ben Tameifuna
19. Matt Symons
20. Mike Fitzgerald
21. Brad Weber
22. Bundee Aki
23. Andrew Horrell