Chiefs winger Lelia Masaga has recovered from a back injury and will take his place against New South Wales Waratahs © Getty Images

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Matches: New South Wales Waratahs 25 - 20 Chiefs

In an attempt to right their wrongs from last weekend, the Chiefs have made six changes for Friday's clash with New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney.

A number of regular starters including Gareth Anscombe and Tim Nanai-Williams have been omitted from the side that lost to Queensland Reds in Hamilton.

Andrew Horrell will replace the former at fullback while Lelia Masaga makes a timely return from a back injury to take over Nanai-Williams on the right wing.

Meanwhile, Charlie Ngatai enters the starting XV at centre, pushing Richard Kahui into the No. 12 jersey vacated by the suspended Bundee Aki.

Augustine Pulu's time in the starting half-back role has come to an end, for now, as former All Black Brendon Leonard is set to make his first start of the year since recovering from a broken jaw.

In the front row, Pauliasi Manu will slip into the loose-head spot where he began the year before being displaced by Toby Smith.

Flanker Tanerau Latimer shifts to the bench to make way for No. 8 Fritz Lee in a re-shuffled loose forward trio.

The Waratahs will have spent last week's bye weekend watching keenly as the Reds accounted for an out-of-sorts Chiefs outfit. A fortnight ago they suffered a hefty defeat against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

"The Waratahs have one of the strongest teams in the competition on paper," Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said. "They have been building well and will be a hell of a lot tougher at home. It is a big game for both teams coming off losses."

Chiefs: Andrew Horrell; Lelia Masaga, Charlie Ngatai, Richard Kahui, Asaeli Tikoirotuma; Aaron Cruden, Brendon Leonard; Fritz Lee, Sam Cane, Liam Messam; Brodie Retallick, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Michael Kainga, Nick Crosswell, Tanerau Latimer, Augustine Pulu, Gareth Anscombe, Tim Nanai-Williams.