The Chiefs head into this tomorrow's game against the Highlanders knowing what is at stake for the future of their 2014 Super Rugby campaign.

Win and the dream of three consecutive titles remains alive, but lose and those desires may begin to fade even faster than in recent weeks.

Chiefs centre Robbie Fruean.

After a three-week International Test lay off the defending champion's line up against the men from Dunedin – the first of three remaining round robin matches.

Currently fourth and six points adrift of New Zealand conference leaders the Crusaders and another four from overall leaders the Sharks, the side sits below its usual table topping standards with six wins, two draws and five losses so far this season.

And the road doesn't get any easier in what is a tough road home and chance in the playoffs with Kiwi derbies left against the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Blues.

The Highlanders, three points above the Chiefs, will prove a stern test for the Hamilton-based side with their trio of returning All Blacks – Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa – all playing superbly for the All Blacks against England.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie makes two notable changes to the side that lost to the Waratahs before the test window – in Robbie Fruean and Augustine Pulu.

Halfback Pulu makes his Super Rugby come-back after a recent knee procedure and is joined by blockbusting Fruean who will make his long awaited return in a Chiefs jersey. Both return via stints at club rugby level.

The sides trio of All Blacks also slot straight back into the starting 15, with Gareth Anscombe named to start at fullback.

Tevita Koloamatangi, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tim Nanai-Williams and James Lowe are the new additions to the bench.

'This is a massive game and we have prepared really well. We realise the importance of this fixture and from here on in every match is like a play-off,” says Rennie.

Chiefs side to face the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Friday 7.35pm:

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