Williams returns to inside centre after a concussion meant he missed last week's 12-11 loss to the Sharks in Durban.
Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot, suspended for one week after being red-carded last week, has been replaced by Quentin MacDonald. Prop Pauliasi Manu returns from a rib injury, and is joined by Ben Tameifuna in the front row.
The only other change to the backline comes with Tom Marshall replacing James Lowe on the left wing.
Charlie Ngatai, who missed the South African tour with an ankle injury, has been bracketed with Seta Tamanivalu at centre while Andrew Horrell moves to the reserves where he is joined by prop Siate Tokolahi and Marty McKenzie.
Assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge said the Chiefs were expecting a stern test from the Cheetahs, despite their 57-14 pummelling by the Crusaders last week.
"The Cheetahs are one of the more positive South African teams and we know they will test us with their line-out drive and their kicking game," he said.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai/Seta Tamanivalu, Sonny Bill Williams, Tom Marshall, Aaron Cruden, Brad Weber, Michael Leitch, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Michael Fitzgerald (capt), Matt Symons, Ben Tameifuna, Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu. Res: Rhys Marshall, Siate Tokolahi, Mitchell Graham, Michael Allardice, Johan Bardoul, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Marty McKenzie.
