Super 14 rugby rookie Tim Nanai-Williams will start at fullback for the Chiefs against defending champions the Bulls in Hamilton on Friday night.

Nanai-Williams, 20, comes off the bench for skipper Mils Muliaina, who is out for the rest of the season because of a broken thumb.

Mike Delany, Muliaina's stand-in at fullback when he had the first three weeks off, is retained at first five-eighth, where he impressed in the win over the Highlanders last weekend.

In the other change to the Chiefs' starting 15, openside flanker Tanerau Latimer returns to the No 7 jersey after a week out with a knee strain.

Blindside flanker Liam Messam takes over the captaincy in Muliaina's absence.

Coach Ian Foster said the Chiefs had managed to keep changes to the minimum despite a lengthy injury list, saying they were keen to keep as many combinations together as possible.

"While last week's tough win over the Highlanders wasn't perfect, it did have many positives, particularly around our attack." he said.

"We need to keep building on our skills and execution in this area."

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