Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has freshened his forward pack for Saturday's Super Rugby clash against the Blues in Dunedin.
Hooker Liam Coltman comes into the starting 15 after two games off the bench, while Ash Dixon moves to the reserves.
Lock Tom Franklin moves to the bench for Mark Reddish, who earns his third start for the season.
Loosehead prop Kane Hames returns to the starting team after seeing out his five weeks' suspension for striking Crusaders lock Dominic Bird in round two.
In the backs, Jason Emery starts at inside centre ahead of Shaun Treeby, who takes a break, and Richard Buckman is included in the 23 for the first time after being injured in the pre-season.
The Highlanders are looking to back up from last week's 25-20 win over the Crusaders, while the Blues are on a high after registering their first win of the season beating the Brumbies 16-14.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Malakia Fekitoa, Jason Emery, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (captain), James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Mark Reddish, Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Pingi Talaapitaga, Tom Franklin, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Richard Buckman.
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