Western Force have been boosted by the returns of Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, fullback Luke Morahan and prop Jermaine Ainsley for Saturday night's Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders.
But veteran Matt Hodgson will miss a second-straight game with an ankle injury, while flyhalf Jono Lance has been ruled out with a hand complaint.
Morahan hasn't played since fracturing his cheekbone four weeks ago, while Ainsley has recovered from the dislocated elbow he suffered in March.
Polota-Nau has been thrust straight back into the starting side after being rested from last week's shock 16-6 win over the Jaguares in Argentina, while lock Matt Philip (foot) and scrumhalf Michael Ruru (ankle) return via the bench.
With co-captains Ben McCalman and Heath Tessmann still missing, centre Billy Meakes has been named skipper - the 12th man to have captained the Force.
Force: Luke Morahan, Semisi Masirewa, Curtis Rona, Bill Meakes (capt), Alex Newsome, Peter Grant, Ian Prior, Richard Hardwick, Brynard Stander, Ross Haylett-Petty, Adam Coleman, Richia Arnold, Jermaine Ainsley, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Pek Cowan. Res: Anaru Rangi, Francois van Wyk, Tetera Faulkner, Matt Philip, Lewis Carmichael, Isireli Naisarani, Michael Ruru, James Verity-Amm.
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