Safely ensconced as the Super Rugby Pacific minor championship winner, the Chiefs have one eye on the future and the other on beating the Force in Perth on Saturday in their selection for the game.

McMillan said the selection for the Force game reflected the toll the side had taken after two physical games in the last fortnight, and there was also the travel factor to consider. Their game was at midnight New Zealand time, but they will return home on Monday afternoon.

"We have earned the luxury of being able to have a choice at the backend of the season about whether we rest players or not."

Those who have been regular starters have travelled to Perth with the side to give them a head start to prepare for the quarterfinal next week.

"A few of them will head home to get a full weekend with family and friends while the remainder will play the game. We still feel like a strong team has been named and plenty of incentive for the team to build some momentum going into the quarterfinal. And for the individuals it is an opportunity for them to showcase their ability and to force them into the mix for what's ahead."

Rameka Pohipi has been named at first five-eighths for the game. McMillan said he played all his schools rugby in the position, albeit some time ago. But with Josh Ioane returning to New Zealand after taking a knock against the Brumbies, as did halfback Brad Weber and wing Emoni Narawa, it was a 'what-if' situation they wanted to explore.

They would all be available for the quarterfinal, while Pohipi was a chance to play in the position to see what they could do in a worst-case scenario.

Rivez Ratima was with the side but wasn't considered to start due to his lack of recent rugby. So instead, he will come off the bench.

Pohipi will have Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi inside him at halfback. While he lacked opportunities, McMillan said he had done everything they asked of him with aplomb, and it was appropriate he would play his 50th game for the Chiefs in Perth.

At the same time, the Chiefs knew that the only outlook for the Force would be winning to give themselves a chance of making the top eight.

"We know we are facing a desperate side and we respect that," McMillan said.

They were keen to see what they learned after naming a similarly-reduced squad a few weeks back and losing.

It was also an opportunity for some players involved in that outing to right a few wrongs, so there was no lack of motivation.