The Highlanders have named Josh Ioane on the bench for Sunday's Super Rugby Aotearoa game against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Ioane has been sidelined with a groin injury and hasn't played since the Highlanders' loss to the Bulls in Pretoria back in March.
The one-test All Black was due to start against the Chiefs in the opening game of Super Rugby Aotearoa last month but reaggravated an old groin during the captains run, which saw him miss the Highlanders first four games.
"It's been tough to be on the sidelines watching as there has been some great games going on and I'm excited to get the opportunity to get back out there," says Ioane.
Ioane's return means there is no place for Bryn Gatland in the matchday 23. Gatland kicked the game-winning drop lost the last time the Highlanders played in the Chiefs.
The 28-27 win against the Chiefs is the only one the Highlanders have managed during Super Rugby Aotearoa losing three on the bounce including last weekend against the Hurricanes.
Coach Aaron Mauger has made one change to his starting side with Scott Gregory moving from the right-wing to the left, making way for Josh McKay to make his competition debut with Jona Nareki moving to the bench.
"We have had our chances in every game we've played and the guys are working at getting better every time they run out," says Mauger.
"We are all aware the standard of play in this competition is extremely high and you need your very best against any team."
In the reserves Folau Fakatava and Ethan De Groot will feature for the first time during Super Rugby Aotearoa, replacing Kayne Hammington and Daniel Lienert-Brown especially.
Hammington has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after breaking his hand during the 17-11 defeat against the Hurricanes, while Lienert-Brown is recovering from dental surgery.
Highlanders: 1-Ayden Johnstone, 2-Ash Dixon (cc), 3-Siate Tokolahi, 4-Pari Pari Parkinson, 5-Jack Whetton, 6-Shannon Frizell, 7-Dillon Hunt, 8-Marino Mikaele Tu’u, 9-Aaron Smith (cc), 10-Mitch Hunt, 11-Scott Gregory, 12-Patelesio Tomkinson, 13-Rob Thompson, 14-Josh McKay, 15-Michael Collins
Reserves: 16-Liam Coltman, 17-Ethan De Groot, 18-Jeff Thwaites, 19-Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20-Jesse Parete, 21-Folau Fakatava, 22-Josh Ioane, 23-Jona Nareki
Join us for live updates of the Chiefs v Highlanders Super Rugby Aotearoa clash from 3:30pm Sunday
