A new-look Highlanders team will challenge Super Rugby leaders the Hurricanes at McLean Park in Napier on Friday.
With coach Jamie Joseph resting key All Blacks Aaron and Ben Smith and Malakai Fekitoa, the Highlanders feature six changes to their starting line-up which thumped the Chiefs 36-9 in Invercargill last week.
Halfback Fumiaki Tanaka comes in for Aaron Smith, while Jason Emery starts at centre in Fekitoa's place and Marty Banks replaces Ben Smith at fullback.
Hooker Ash Dixon earns a start and the captaincy, while new father Elliot Dixon returns to No.8 and Gareth Evans to the blindside.
Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Evans, Richard Buckman and Ryan Tongia should all feel right at home at McLean Park, home ground for their Ranfurly Shield-hold Hawke's Bay team.
Highlanders: Marty Banks, Waisake Naholo, Jason Emery, Richard Buckman, Ryan Tongia, Lima Sopoaga, Fumiaki Tanaka, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon (captain), Brendon Edmonds. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Ross Geldenhuys, Joe Latta, Dan Pryor, Scott Eade, Shaun Treeby, Kurt Baker.
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