Ngatai on Chiefs bench
The tight five is unchanged, with the only change in the forward pack being the vastly experienced Liam Messam in at No.6.
In the backline, Brad Weber will start in the No.9 jersey, Solomon Alaimalo moves to No.15, and Sean Wainui comes in on the wing.
Co-captain Charlie Ngatai returns from injury and will return to the playing field via the bench.
Starting every game so far this season, Sam Cane runs out in front of his home crowd not just as captain, but for his 100th Super Rugby match.
"Sam has shown lots of hard work and sacrifice to earn his 100th game, which is an outstanding effort – it's great to be involved with him on his 100th," said Cooper.
"He's an outstanding leader of the group, and doesn't just talk it, but walks it big time on the field."
On the bench with a possible debut, Pita Gus Sowakula will be very excited to make his entry into Super Rugby.
Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Johnny Fa'auli, 11 Sean Wainui, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Taleni Seu, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta'avao, 2 Nathan Harris, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Liam Polwart, 17 Karl Tu'inukaufe, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Pita Gus Sowakula, 20 Lachlan Boshier, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Marty McKenzie, 23 Charlie Ngatai (co-captain).
Date: Friday, March 30
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
