Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has made four changes to their victorious round one team for Friday's Super Rugby clash against the Stormers in Dunedin.
Co-captain Ash Dixon will miss the game with a back injury and will be replaced by Greg Pleasants-Tate, while in the backs powerful Fijian winger Tevita Nabura earns a spot on the left wing.
Dixon joins Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder), James Lentjes (shoulder) and Richard Buckman (neck) on the Highlanders injury roster.
The other two changes for Friday come in the reserves, with Tasman Makos player Shannon Frizell and halfback Josh Renton set to make their Highlanders debuts from the bench.
Mauger is expecting a tough game from the Stormers, who are coming off a 45-28 loss to the Crusaders last week.
"The Stormers are a big side so we expect a physical encounter," he said.
"They are also a dangerous team with ball in hand in open spaces, so we are well aware of those threats and have prepared to meet those challenges."
The Highlanders beat the Blues 41-34 in round one, followed by the bye.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Nabura, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Shannon Frizell, Elliot Dixon, Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.
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