Prop Kane Hames comes in for the suspended Chris King in one of four changes to the Highlanders' starting 15 to face the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Lock Jarrad Hoeata also returns for what will be his 50th Super Rugby appearance after making his debut for the Chiefs four years ago.
Hoeata replaces Josh Bekhuis, who is sidelined with an ankle injury.
At hooker, Liam Coltman, who will head to the first All Blacks camp of the year after the match on Friday night, replaces Ged Robinson, who goes to the bench.
In the backs, Shaun Treeby comes in at inside centre for Phil Burleigh, who also moves to the reserves.
King, sitting out a one-week ban for striking during the one-point win over the Lions, is one of three Highlanders suspended, along with hooker Brayden Mitchell and fullback Kurt Baker.
His unavailability has led to Aki Seiuli being called up from club rugby to provide cover on the bench.
Frontline five-eighth Lima Sopoaga remains on the casualty list with a high ankle sprain, which means Hayden Parker makes his second successive start of the season.
Sopoaga is expected to be right for the Crusaders' visit in the following round.
The Hurricanes and the Highlanders both have plenty to play for at Westpac Stadium.
The Hurricanes, coming off a 25-15 win over the Rebels in Melbourne, sit sixth on the table, one place ahead of the Highlanders on countback.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-capt), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Jason Emery, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-capt), Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Res: Ged Robinson, Matias Diaz, Aki Seuili, Tom Franklin, Gareth Evans, Fumiaki Tanaka, Trent Renata, Phil Burleigh.
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