The Chiefs hope to build on their performances of last year when they take on the Waratahs in their first Super 12 game of the year on Saturday.

The Chiefs will rely on a rookie second-row for their opening game with Mark Cooksley and Royce Willis both out injured. Cooksley is out for the season with a neck injury , while Willis is yet to recover from a knee problem.

Chreston Davis, an ex-All Black second-rower, is also out with a knee injury. New coach Kevin Greene has opted for Keith Robinson and Kristian Ormsby to start at lock with Mark Weedon on the bench. The only other player ruled out by injury is loose-forward Scott Couch with an infected knee.

The Waratahs will start their campaign without flyhalf Manuel Edmonds, who has an injured shoulder. Edmonds was one of the keys to the Waratahs' sensational start last season, but is not expected to be on the sidelines for too long. Utility Duncan McRae will start at No 10.

New league recruit Mat Rogers will make his Super 12 debut at fullback with captain Matt Burke starting at outside centre. Hooker Brendan Cannon replaces flanker Phil Waugh as vice-captain.

The Chiefs have had a mixed pre-season losing to the Highlanders (45-18) and Blues (40-31), but beat the Hurricanes (22-10).

The Waratahs, however, have had little success, losing to the Blues (40-0) and the Crusaders (33-31).

Captain and No 8 Deon Muir (pictured) will again be an inspiration for the Chiefs who provided plenty of concern for all opposition last year under new All Blacks coach John Mitchell. Muir was unlucky not win All Blacks selection last year after leading the New Zealand Maori.

And could the Chiefs have a new fortress in a cracking new Waikato Stadium in Hamilton that will boast one of the best playing surfaces around?

All eyes will be on the Waratahs' Mat Rogers, who is making his Super 12 debut at fullback after a much-hyped switch from rugby league. The Australian league representative is a former Australian Schools rugby union representative and in his few chances in the pre-season has impressed all.

Their supporters would like to see the Waratahs make the same flying start as they did last year, but unlike 2001, keep the momentum going. There's no doubt the talent is there - last year they scored 32 tries, third only to the Sharks (34) and Brumbies (39).

The Waratahs were sensational at home last year, but woeful on the road without one victory. If they can snatch a win in Rotorua this weekend then it could just be the impetus Bob Dwyer and his team needs to make an elusive Super 12 semi-final.

Teams for Rotorua:

Chiefs: Todd Miller, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Mark Ranby, Bruce Reihana, Glen Jackson, Rhys Duggan, Deon Muir (capt), Marty Holah, Jonno Gibbes, Keith Robinson, Kristian Ormsby, David Briggs, Keven Maelamu, Deacon Manu. Substitutes: Wayne McEntee, Mark Weedon, Michael Collins, Guy Coleman, Loki Crichton, David Hill, Danny Lee.

Waratahs: Mat Rogers, Scott Staniforth, Matt Burke (capt), Nathan Grey, Marc Stcherbina, Duncan McRae, Chris Whitaker, David Lyons, Phil Waugh, Des Tuiavii, Tom Bowman, Jono West, Rod Moore, Brendan Cannon, Matt Dunning. Substitutes: Huia Edmonds, Patricio Noriega, Steve Talbot, Jone Tawake, Tim Rapp, Sam Harris, Luke Inman.

Kick-off: 06:35.

Referee: Andy Turner (SA).