Karl TeNana will feel a special sense of pride when he runs out with the Chiefs against the Highlanders at Invercargill's Rugby Park for his first Super 12 start on Saturday night.

TeNana, 26, not only feels a greater affinity with the Chiefs players than those of his home region, the Blues, but he also feels a family connection. His father Rua played eight matches for Waikato in 1963.

"It's definitely an honour for me because of that and I'm also stoked as it's my first starting job, which is something I've been working towards," said TeNana, who is better known as one of New Zealand Sevens stars.

He gets his chance following the decision of fullback Todd Miller to remain home as his wife is expecting a child. "It was totally different training to what I had done for the Sevens in previous off-seasons, building up strength and power," TeNana said.

"Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise to have a bit of a rest as I hadn't had one for about six years. I knew it was going to be a hard task with Bruce (Reihana) and Roger (Randle) here but that is a good challenge for me. Getting the taste here last year, I really enjoyed the boys' company and environment.

"I shouldn't really say this but I really like coming down here rather than maybe staying at home with the Blues. I really like the boys and their attitude."

TeNana's selection is one of seven changes to the Chiefs'starting line-up from that which fronted against the Blues last weekend.

Danny Lee and Glen Jackson come in at halfback and flyhalf in place of Rhys Duggan and David Hill, skipper Deon Muir finally returns at No 8 after being injured in the opening game, Jonno Gibbes is back at blindside flanker after the flu,
Mark Weedon is a late change at lock with Royce Willis resting after a head knock and David Briggs replaces Michael Collins at loose-head prop.

Wayne McEntee joins Miller as the other player not selected in the Chiefs' squad of 26.

The Chiefs travelled to Invercargill Thursday morning and will fly to South Africa on Sunday for games there.

Chiefs: Bruce Reihana, Roger Randle, Keith Lowen, Karl TeNana, Mark Ranby, Glen Jackson, Danny Lee, Deon Muir (capt), Marty Holah, Keith Robinson, Mark Weedon, Jonno Gibbes, Deacon Manu, Keven Mealamu, David Briggs. Reserves: Nick Collins, David Hill, Rhys Duggan, Scott Couch, Chresten Davis, Michael Collins, Guy Coleman.