Wallabies veteran Nathan Grey was the big name casualty as the NSW Waratahs looked to steady their faltering Super 12 campaign against the Chiefs on Saturday.

NSW coach Ewen McKenzie axed hard-running inside centre Grey from the starting side, with flanker Rocky Elsom also demoted to the bench following the Waratahs' two-match South African losing streak.

Teenage sensation Cameron Shepherd won injured Mat Rogers' fullback jersey ahead of former Test custodian Matt Burke, who will again start from the bench at Waikato Stadium.

NSW hasn't lost to the Chiefs since 1997, although the Hamilton side inflicted a stinging blow last year when it stopped the Waratahs from scoring the necessary four tries to get a bonus point to make the semi-finals.

Grey's form this season has reflected that of his side's.

He started with a flourish, but faltered in his last two games.

McKenzie opted to shift in-form Morgan Turinui from outside centre to his preferred No.12 and bring Ben Jacobs back into the starting line-up.

"Morgan's been filling in and playing at outside centre for us and we felt his form has been pretty good in the last few games but he's a genuine 12 so we thought he deserved an opportunity to go at 12," McKenzie said.

"Nathan started very well and commanded that position but Morgan's lifted his game and he warrants an opportunity there."

The Waratahs will field their youngest ever backline in Hamilton.

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