The Chiefs are laying the first steps to their Super Rugby campaign rebuild with a commanding 38-8 victory against the Lions in Hamilton.

It might have been patchy at times but the defending champions will be more than happy after a tough past six weeks, regaining their attacking rhythm to run in six tries to one.

Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer crosses for the sides second try against the Lions in Hamilton. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

But with 17 new players appearing on New Zealand soil for the first time the Lions showed buckets of endeavour and enthusiasm early on, unfortunately translating into little on the scoreboard.

And whether the Chiefs' radical 14 changes to the side had any bearing on combination fluidity, the home side were once again guilty of struggling to jump out of the blocks.

Dominating the Chiefs in the possession and territory stakes thanks to a powerful scrum, the Lions grabbed the first three points – holding the Chiefs incapable of launching into their game.

Having never lost to the Johannesburg based team at home in seven matches, the defending champions slowly began to find their feet with periods of patient play.

Persistence soon paid off with Gareth Anscombe crashing over from a number of forward phases – diminishing the Lions' fight somewhat in the process.

And it seemed to be just the spark the home side has been searching for, beginning to assert some composure and dominance on the game.

Then in a scintillating four-minute period the Chiefs returned to their attacking best adding another two tries to their account.

First it was flanker Tanerau Latimer latching on to a Charlie Ngatai basketball style pass. Then moments later Ngatai switched from provider to benefactor kicking through a loose Lions turnover for a 19-3 lead at the break.

Not letting up at the resumption the Chiefs grabbed a crucial bonus point with their fourth try, prop Pauliasi Manu burrowing over after an explosive break from replacement Bundee Aki.

But the Lions were quick to add to their own tally, spreading the ball wide and outflanking the Chiefs with wing Courtnall Skosan crossing.

With a 26-8 lead both sides began making changes at regular intervals providing a number of frustrating inaccuracies as the game ebbed and flowed.

Yet another late flurry gave the Chiefs their fifth and sixth tries, replacement Andrew Horrell laying on a pin point grubber for Aki and then Tim Nanai-Williams capping off a busy night from fullback.

The Chiefs' now head to New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium to host the Blues in Round 13 – the first time the franchise will play in front of their new Taranaki supporters.

Chiefs 38: Gareth Anscombe, Tanerau Latimer, Charlie Ngatai, Pauliasi Manu, Bundee Aki, Tim Nanai-Williams tries; Anscombe con 3, Andrew Horrell con 1.

Lions 8: Courtnall Skosan try; Elton Jantjies pen 1, con

Half time: 19-3