Centre Richard Kahui has been included in a Chiefs’ starting line-up featuring several changes for the Super Rugby match against the Blues in Mt Maunganui on Saturday.

The 17-Test All Black, who is bound for Japan at the end of the season, returned to action off the bench in the defending champions’ 19-7 win over the Highlanders last Friday.

It was his first match in 10 months after he suffered his latest shoulder injury.

Kahui’s partner at inside centre will be Bundee Aki, the pair replacing Tim Nanai-Williams and Andrew Horrell.

Among other changes, halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow’s broken jaw means Augustine Pulu will wear the No.9 jersey.

Kerr-Barlow’s unavailability has been softened by 13-Test All Black Brendon Leonard’s return from a cheek injury to provide back-up off the bench.

In the forwards, No.8 Fritz Lee, openside flanker Tanerau Latimer and loosehead prop Toby Smith all come into the run-on side.

Chiefs: Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Bundee Aki, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Fritz Lee, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (capt), Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Afeaki, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ben Tameifuna, Nick Crosswell, Sam Cane, Brendon Leonard, Andrew Horrell, Patrick Osborne.