The Chiefs' top try-scorer and fan favourite Sona Taumalolo is in line to play his 50th game for the franchise this Friday night against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

But he'll have to do it off the bench as coach Dave Rennie has made multiple changes to his line-up that narrowly lost to the Crusaders last weekend.

Robbie Robinson gets a start on the wing with Andrew Horrell moving back to fullback. Tim Nanai-Williams makes way for Lelia Masaga while Jackson Willison returns to the No 13 jersey.

Toby Smith starts in the front row in place of Taumalolo with captain Craig Clarke also back in the line up.

The match shapes as a crucial one for both teams, with the Chiefs chasing minor premiership honours while the Hurricanes are still in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Chiefs: Andrew Horrel, Lelia Masaga, Jackson Willison, Sonny Bill Williams, Robbie Robinson, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Kane Thompson, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (c), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Sona Taumalolo, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Brendon Leonard, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Tim Nanai-Williams.

- © Fairfax NZ News