Lock Tom Franklin and prop Dan Lienert-Brown return to the Highlanders' starting side for their Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in Dunedin.
Franklin came off the bench in the 34-26 win over the Crusaders before the Highlanders had a bye last weekend.
He replaces Joe Wheeler, who drops out of the match-day squad.
Lienert-Brown was a late withdrawal against the Crusaders and his availability to face the Hurricanes on Friday night means Siosiua Halanukonuka goes to the bench.
In a hotly contested New Zealand conference, the defending champion Highlanders sit just a point above the Hurricanes.
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The two sides occupy fourth and fifth spots in the Australasian group with the top five to advance to the play-offs.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (capt), Waisake Naholo, Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dan Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon, Dan Lienert-Brown. Res: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Mark Reddish, Liam Squire, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Teihorangi Walden.
