A much needed win is doing wonders for the Chiefs, which will field one of the most settled squads ahead of a crucial clash with the Blues in New Plymouth tonight.

Decimated by injuries and a number of poor performances in recent weeks, the 38-8 win against the Lions is just the tonic after the defending champion's season was edging towards critical.

Liam Messam looks to shrug off a tackle during the match against the Lions. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

After making extensive changes throughout the campaign so far, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has swung back to just three personnel changes for the match – the first Taranaki appearance since the province switched allegiance from the Hurricanes.

Just two changes have been made to the forwards with prop Ben Tameifuna and lock Michael Fitzgerald starting in place of Josh Hohneck and Ross Filipo.

Bundee Aki moves from the bench to second five-eighth, replacing the injured Charlie Ngatai, and Tim Nanai-Williams moves to centre with Tom Marshall at fullback.

Hohneck move to the reserves and is joined by Liam Squire, returning from injury and back Anton Lienert-Brown.

With the Chiefs back on top of the New Zealand Conference and the Blues coming off a strong win against the Reds the match becomes a vital game for both sides if they are to continue their move up the Super Rugby ladder.

To win the Blues must snap their unwanted losing streak away from home this year - a record stretching back to round one in 2013.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says in recent seasons the rivalry between the sides has become an epic battle with brutal intensity and is excited to be playing in front of the Taranaki supporters.

'Traditionally our games against the Blues have been real ding-dong battles, and with not much between any team in the New Zealand Conference it is a massive game for both sides,” says Rennie.

Chiefs side to face the Blues in New Plymouth on Friday (7.35pm)

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