The Highlanders will start a completely new starting front row for Saturday's Super Rugby Aotearoa southern derby against the Crusaders in Dunedin.
All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman is joined by props Daniel Lienert-Brown and Jeff Thwaites in the run-on side, as they look to bounce back from their loss to the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
Co-captain Ash Dixon drops to the bench with his starting counterparts from last weekend, Siate Tokolahi and Ayden Johnstone.
"We are fortunate to have some depth in our front row, so we have the ability to make changes," says assistant coach Clarke Dermody.
"This is a tough competition and, as always, the Crusaders will present a real challenge on Saturday night."
On the right wing, Ngatungane Punivai replaces Sam Gilbert, who's sidelined for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Michael Collins returns to fullback, where assistant coach Tony Brown says his veteran leadership will be invaluable.
Lock Jack Whetton will have a chance to impress off the bench, alongside Vilimoni Koroi, who'll cover the back three.
Highlanders: 1-Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2-Liam Coltman (c), 3-Jeff Thwaites, 4-Pari Pari Parkinson, 5-Josh Dickson, 6-Shannon Frizell, 7-Dillon Hunt, 8-Marino Mikaele Tu'u, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Mitch Hunt, 11-Jona Nareki, 12-Patelesio Tomkinson, 13-Rob Thompson, 14-Ngatungane Punivai, 15-Michael Collins
Reserves: 16-Ash Dixon, 17- Ayden Johnstone, 18-Siate Tokolahi, 19-Jack Whetton, 20-Teariki Ben-Nicholas, 21-Kayne Hammington, 22-Bryn Gatland, 23-Vilimoni Koroi
Join us for live udpates of Highlanders v Crusaders from Saturday 7pm
