Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made five changes in the forwards for Friday's Super Rugby clash against the Western Force in Dunedin.
The starting line-up features fresh locks and rotation in the loose forwards as the defending champions return from back-to-back wins in Australia over the NSW Waratahs and Melbourne 27-3 last weekend.
Alex Ainley and Tom Franklin will start in the middle row of the scrum for the second time this season, with regular lock Joe Wheeler moving to the bench.
Elliot Dixon, who was outstanding in the victory over the Tahs, replaces Luke Whitelock at blindside flanker, while co-captain Shane Christie moves to the bench to make way for Dan Pryor on the openside.
Liam Coltman and Ash Dixon continue their competition for the starting hooker role, with Coltman in the No.2 shirt this week.
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In the backs, winger Matt Faddes returns from injury for Jack Wilson, and livewire halfback Fumiaki Tanaka has recovered from his calf strain to take the place of Josh Renton in the reserves.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Matt Faddes, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Pat Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, Dan Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Brendon Edmonds. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Hohneck, Joe Wheeler, Shane Christie (co-captain), Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Jason Emery.
