Another experienced lock and certain starter, All Blacks second row Keith Robinson, also remains unavailable because of a calf strain, forcing Foster to opt for rookie lock Toby Lynn alongside Chiefs stalwart Kristian Ormsby.

The good news is that winger Anthony Tahana has recovered from a hamstring problem, whilst another rookie, prop Craig West, also becomes available following a recovery from a lower leg injury.

In the backs, Foster has opted to start Stephen Donald at first five-eighth, alongside draft player Tane Tu'ipulotu (second five-eighth) and Niva Ta'auso at centre.

Midfielder Richard Kahui - who made such an impact for Waikato during the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup - injured his right shoulder during last week's match and was unavailable for selection this week.

The Chiefs are gearing up for a big 2007 Super 14 season, having dispatched last year's runners-up, the Hurricanes, by 31-17 last Thursday. They will be looking to dominate another apparent form side, the Blues, when they take the field in what will be both teams' final pre-season warm-up matches.

The Chiefs team: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Roy Kinikinilau, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Sione Lauaki, 7 Marty Holah, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Toby Lynn, 4 Kristian Ormsby, 3 Nathan White, 2 Tom Willis, 1 Simms Davison.
Replacements: 16 Craig West, 17 Aled de Malmanche, 18 Ben Castle, 19 Andrew van der Heijden, 20 Tanerau Latimer, 21 Steven Bates, 22 Brendon Leonard, 23 Murray Williams, 24 Tasesa Lavea, 25 Anthony Tahana, 26 Dwayne Sweeney.

Kick-off: 19.00 local time (06.00 GMT)