The Highlanders will have three players returning from injury among six changes to their starting side to face the Melbourne Rebels this weekend.
Winger Patrick Osborne (hip), flanker Luke Whitelock (knee) and lock Joe Wheeler (concussion) are all back as the defending champions chase a fourth Super Rugby win in a row.
Wheeler will partner Mark Reddish in the second-row at AAMI Park on Saturday night, Reddish having been promoted from the bench after a strong showing in the 30-26 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney last Friday night.
At hooker, Ash Dixon comes in for Liam Coltman, who moves to the reverses in a player rotation.
There is also a change at right wing, with Matt Faddes out with a hamstring complaint and replaced by former New Zealand sevens representative Jack Wilson.
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Wilson, who last year played for South African Super Rugby side the Sharks, was brought in by the Highlanders as a squad replacement for Richard Buckman, who suffered a shoulder injury in the pre-season loss to Racing 92 in Hong Kong.
On the bench, loose forward Dan Pryor has been included after recovering from a head knock.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-capt), Jack Wilson, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, Shane Christie (co-capt), Luke Whitelock, Joe Wheeler, Mark Reddish, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Craig Millar, Josh Hohneck, Dan Pryor, Elliot Dixon, Josh Renton, Hayden Parker, Jason Emery.
