The Chiefs have been dealt a blow with Tawera Kerr-Barlow ruled out for up to six weeks after fracturing his hand in their win over the Hurricanes.
The injury means Brad Weber will continue his run at halfback alongside Aaron Cruden with Anton Lienert-Brown starting at second five-eighth the only change in the backline against the Sharks this weekend.
Coach Dave Rennie has made four changes in the forward pack, Hiroshi Yamashita and Hika Elliot will pack down in the front row with Mitchell Graham while Dom Bird has returned from injury to partner Brodie Retallick at lock.
Taleni Seu has also been promoted from the reserves to start at blindside flanker.
Rennie said the Chiefs were keen to play at Yarrow Stadium with Taranaki well represented in their squad.
"A major driver for Taranaki Rugby in joining the Chiefs whanau was to bring more Super Rugby games to the province. We continue to deliver on that objective, with this being our fifth game in three years," Rennie said.
Chiefs: 1. Mitchell Graham, 2. Hika Elliot, 3. Hiroshi Yamashita, 4. Dominic Bird, 5. Brodie Retallick, 6. Taleni Seu, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Michael Leitch, 9. Brad Weber, 10. Aaron Cruden, 11. Sam McNicol, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Seta Tamanivalu, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Damian McKenzie
Reserves: 16. Nathan Harris, 17. Siate Tokolahi, 18. Kane Hames, 19. James Tucker, 20. Lachlan Boshier, 21. Kayne Hammington, 22. Andrew Horrell, 23. Shaun Stevenson
Newshub.
