In the forwards, Siate Tokolahi is promoted from the bench to replace Manu and start alongside Mitchell Graham and Hika Elliot in the front row. And with Bardoul sidelined after sustaining injury in Argentina, loose forward Taleni Seu gets an opportunity to impress at lock.
The other alterations arrive in the backs, where Brad Weber slots into the team in place of Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who suffered a head knock against the Jaguares, and Seta Tamanivalu replaces Anton Lienert-Brown, who is unavailable due to a minor knee injury.
But while the starting XV still retains a settled appearance, there are wholesale changes in the reserves, with only hooker Rhys Marshall retaining his place on the pine.
Four players are set to make their Super Rugby debuts, two more have only one Chiefs cap to their name, and then there's Donald. The 32-year-old, who has played 85 games and scored 858 points for the franchise, will back up Aaron Cruden in a bid to make what would be a popular return.
Elsewhere, Nippy Manawatu halfback Kayne Hammington has capped a whirlwind week, taking his place on the bench days after being called into the squad, while Counties Manukau wing Toni Pulu has battled his way back from an ankle injury to position himself for a debut.
Bay of Plenty prop Siegfried Fisi'ihoi replaces Manu in the squad, while debutant Sam Henwood rounds out the forward reserves.
Chiefs team to play the Force at FMG Stadium on Saturday night:
Damian McKenzie, Sam McNicol, Seta Tamanivalu, Charlie Ngatai, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden (c), Brad Weber, Michael Leitch, Sam Cane (c), Tom Sanders, Taleni Seu, Michael Allardice, Siate Tokolahi, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham.
Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Atu Moli, Siegfried Fisiihoi, James Tucker, Sam Henwood, Kayne Hammington, Stephen Donald, Toni Pulu.
