Highlanders make four Super Rugby changes

Co-skipper Ben Smith's leg infection has led to one of four changes to the Highlanders' side to face Super Rugby neighbours the Crusaders.

All Blacks fullback Ben Smith will miss the Highlanders clash with the Crusaders through injury. (AAP)

The Highlanders have rejigged their front row as part of four changes to their starting 15 to face the Crusaders in Super Rugby's final round.

Hooker Liam Coltman and prop Chris King return to the run-on side for the match in Christchurch on Saturday night, King replacing the unwell Ma'afu Fia.

At five-eighth, Hayden Parker gets the No.10 jersey, with regular starter Lima Sopoaga going to the bench.

The other change is at fullback, with co-skipper Ben Smith missing his first Highlanders match since April 2012 because of a leg infection and being replaced by Trent Renata.

The second-placed Crusaders are guaranteed of qualifying for the playoffs. The fourth-placed Highlanders will seal their berth with a victory.

Highlanders: Trent Renata, Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (capt), Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Chris King, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Res: Ged Robinson, Matias Diaz, JP Koen, Josh Bekhuis, Gareth Evans, Fumiaki Tanaka, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh.