Lock Kevin O'Neill will make a welcome return to the Chiefs starting lineup for their Super 14 rugby match against the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday.

O'Neill hasn't started since suffering a lingering achilles tendon injury midway through their first-round game against the Sharks and his tight work and lineout prowess has been missed in a disappointing season.

O'Neill replaces Culum Retallick in the only change from the side who were pipped 33-27 by the Hurricanes in Wellington last weekend.

The ninth-placed Chiefs have the capacity to stall the semi-finals charge of the fifth-placed Waratahs - as the Highlanders managed last week.

However, they must turn around a dreadful home record this year, having gone winless in five games at Waikato Stadium this year.

Coach Ian Foster believed momentum was on their side.

"This is a big game for both teams," Foster said.

"We know it is a do or die situation for the Waratahs. For the Chiefs we have been really pleased with the improvement in our game over the last two weeks, and we are determined to put on a great performance in our last game at Waikato Stadium."

Chiefs Team: Tim Nanai-Williams, Dwayne Sweeney, Richard Kahui, Jackson Willison, Jason Hona, Callum Bruce, Junior Poluleuligaga, Colin Bourke, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (captain), Kevin O'Neill, Craig Clarke, Nathan White, Hika Elliot, Sona Taumalolo. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ben Afeaki, Culum Retallick, Luke Braid, Brendon Leonard, Phil Burleigh, Save Tokula

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