Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made four alterations to his starting line-up to take on the Chiefs in their derby in Hamilton on Good Friday.
Co-captain Ash Dixon will take the place of hooker Liam Coltman who has been unwell this week, while tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi returns to the front-row.
Josh Dickson will make his first appearance for the season in the second-row and Tom Franklin, who has started all four previous matches, moves to the bench.
In the backs, Matt Faddes will partner Rob Thompson in the midfield. On the bench, young Otago midfielder, Patelesio Tomkinson makes the matchday 23 for the first time and Greg Pleasants-Tate also makes his way into the reserves.
“The team changes are a reflection of the depth of talent we have in the squad, Josh has played extremely well for the Bravehearts team to earn a start and Matt has shown some nice touches when he has come on for us,” said Mauger.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (cc), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Rob Thompson, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dillon Hunt, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Ash Dixon (cc), 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Josh Renton, 22 Fletcher Smith, 23 Paletasio Tomkinson
Date: Friday, March 30
Venue: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:35 local (06:35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Brendan Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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