Veteran Tana Umaga is back in the Chiefs team named for the Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Hamilton on Saturday.

The 37-year-old former All Blacks captain is back at inside centre after sitting out the loss to the Highlanders.

He returns to the starting side along with international halves Brendon Leonard and Stephen Donald who were used off the bench last week.

Halfback Leonard Leonard is in for Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who has been left out of the 22, with Taniela Moa being selected as back-up halfback.

Donald, who will make his 75th appearance for the Chiefs, swaps jerseys with Mike Delany.

In the forwards, injury has forced two changes, with prop Toby Smith (knee) and lock Hayden Triggs (back) both unavailable.

Their replacements are Ben May and Craig Clarke.

Also sidelined with injury are loose forwards Colin Bourke (shoulder) and Fritz Lee (knee).

The match will be the first at Waikato Stadium this season for the Chiefs, who are winless after two rounds.

"We have had two tough weeks on the road, made tougher with not getting the results we wanted," coach Ian Foster said.

"However, we are making good progress and we are very determined to play well at our first home game this year."

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