All Blacks halfback, Aaron Smith returns to Super Rugby Pacific action this week and will captain the Highlanders against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua while Mosese Dawai has missed out on selection.
A new look loose forward trio sees Marino Mikaele-Tu’u back at number 8.
Christian Lio-Willie, earns a start in the number 6 jersey with Billy Harmon completing the trio at 7.
Mitch Hunt will be at first five eighth.
Alongside this, it is also Andrew Makalio’s 50th Super Rugby game.
Highlanders Head Coach, Tony Brown says they are expecting a very determined Fijian Drua team to turn up on Saturday and they will have plenty of home support from passionate fans that will be seeing their team at home for the very first time.
He says they are expecting a tough encounter as the Drua play an exciting and unpredictable style.
The Fijian Drua will take on the Highlanders at 4.35pm this Saturday at the ANZ Stadium.
Highlanders
Daniel Lienert-Brown Andrew Makalio* Jermaine Ainsley Bryn Evans Sam Caird Christian Lio-Willie Billy Harmon Marino Mikaele-Tu’u Aaron Smith Mitch Hunt Scott Gregory Fetuli Paea Thomas Umaga Jensen Sam Gilbert Connor Garden-Bachop Reserves
Rhys Marshall Ethan de Groot Josh Hohneck Max Hicks James Lentjes Folau Fakatava Marty Banks Hugh Renton
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