Coach Dave Rennie has boosted his forward pack ahead of Saturday's tough Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Sonny Bill Williams has been named to make his return for the unbeaten Chiefs in the Super Rugby clash against the Crusaders in Hamilton on Saturday.

Williams was a late withdrawal from last week's 19-17 win over the Brumbies and his return at No.12 means Charlie Ngatai shifts to outside centre.

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has shuffled his forward pack, bringing Pauliasi Manu, Ben Tameifuna, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane into his starting line-up.

Mike Fitzgerald moves to flanker while captain Liam Messam continues at No.8, replacing the injured Maama Vaipulu.

All Black Augustine Pulu gets the nod at halfback, while James Lowe moves from fullback to left wing with the return of Tom Marshall from injury.

In the reserves, prop Siate Tokolahi is joined by Taranaki's Mitchell Graham, with loose forward Johan Bardoul the only other addition to the bench.

Chiefs: Tom Marshall, Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden, Augustine Pulu, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Michael Fitzgerald, Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Siate Tokolahi, Mitchell Graham, Johan Bardoul, Sean Polwart, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu.