The Chiefs get a chance to breathe life back into their faltering Super Rugby campaign when they come up against the Waratahs in New Plymouth this Saturday.

After a Round 15 to forget, dismantled 45-8 by a red-hot hurricanes outfit, the Chiefs are in desperate need of a win to keep in touch with the leading pack heading into the business end of the season.

Sam Cane will bring up his 50th game for the Chiefs this weekend.

In blustery conditions, nothing went right for the two-time defending champions last week, who failed to threaten the Hurricanes, leaving them with only three victories from their most recent nine.

It is the Chiefs heaviest defeat since they being taken out by the Bulls in the 2009 Super 14 Final, seeing them drop out of the top six this season.

The dip in form sees Jamie Mackintosh starting at prop and Matt Symons at lock, replacing Pauliasi Manu and Michael Fitzgerald. Co-captain Liam Messam reclaims his No 6 jersey at the expense of Tanerau Latimer, while Liam Squire starts at No 8.

After last week's 30-minute cameo Aaron Cruden starts the match at first five-eighth ahead of Gareth Anscombe, Andrew Horrell comes in at second five-eighth and Tim Nanai-Williams moves to centre.

Manu, Fitzgerald, Latimer, Anscombe and Bundee Aki all move to the reserves.

Last week's loss saw the Crusaders, Highlanders and Hurricanes all leapfrog the Hamilton-based side in the New Zealand conference – now only sitting above the Blues. The only saving grace for the Chiefs is they have four more chances to keep their dream of three championships alive.

But the Waratahs pose as an equally tough threat, boasting Wallabies fullback Israel Folau who is in irresistible try-scoring form and a rugged forward pack lead by flanker Nick Hooper.

The Sydney side currently sit second behind the Sharks on the overall table and continue to impress with just four losses throughout the season. They narrowly edged out the Chiefs 25-20 last year.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie believes this game is season defining with only two points separating the top four NZ teams.

'The Waratahs have been impressive and lead the Australian Conference,” says Rennie.

'They have a huge pack and a backline full of game breakers. Both teams play a positive brand of footy so it should be a hell of a contest.”

This is the Chiefs second new Plymouth this season after opening their Taranaki connection with a 32-20 victor against the Blues in Round 13.

After this weekend the sides break for a three-week international window with the All Blacks hosting England.

The Chiefs then face a stern run towards the playoffs facing the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Blues in the remaining round robin matches.

Chiefs side to play the Waratahs in New Plymouth, Saturday (4.35pm)

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