The Chiefs have made four changes to their starting 15 to play the Highlanders in a Super 14 rugby match in Mt Maunganui on Saturday night.

Most of the changes were injury-enforced, but coach Ian Foster has also opted to give Mike Delany his first start of the season at five-eighth, with regular No.10 Stephen Donald moving to inside centre and Jackson Willison dropping to the bench.

Delany, an All Blacks debutant last year, was in the Chiefs' run-on side for the first three rounds, but at fullback as stand-in for skipper Mils Muliaina, who was given an extended pre-season break.

Those ruled out this week because of injury are winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and flanker Tanerau Latimer, both with knee problems, and hooker Aled de Malmanche, whose fractured thumb is expected to take three to six weeks to heel.

Their replacements are Dwayne Sweeney, Luke Braid and Hika Elliot.

After opening the season with three away wins, the Chiefs are now trying to end a three-match losing streak.

Foster said there was frustration at the growing casualty list, which also includes props Nathan White and James McGougan, both with back injuries.

"That doesn't change the importance of this game against the Highlanders," he said.

"After a couple of close losses, the team is keen to get going again and produce a good performance at home at the Mount."

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