The biggest changes are up front, where Craig Newby moves from number eight to blindside flank and also takes over the captaincy from Josh Blackie.

Ezra Taylor returns to the side at number eight.

The other change among the forwards sees Hoani MacDonald coming in at lock in place of Kane Thompson, who drops down to the replacement bench.

Aaron Bancroft, who missed last week's win over the Cheetahs with injury has been cleared to return at inside centre in place of Callum Bruce. Bruce also drops down to the replacement bench.

The last change sees James Wilson at fullback for Glen Horton.

Highlanders: 15 James Wilson, 14 Lucky Mulipola, 13 Matthew Saunders, 12 Aaron Bancroft, 11 Viliame Waqaseduadua, 10 Nick Evans, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Ezra Taylor, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Craig Newby (c), 5 James Ryan, 4 Hoani MacDonald, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Clarke Dermody.
Replacements: 16 Jason Macdonald, 17 Chris King, 18 Kane Thompson, 19 Hale T-Pole, 20 Toby Morland, 21 Charlie Hore, 22 Callum Bruce

Date: Saturday, 7 April
Venue: Queenstown Events Centre
Kick-off: 14.35 (02.35 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Gary Wise (New Zealand), Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Television match official: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
Assessor: Stuart Beissel (New Zealand), Brian Kinsey (Australia)