The Highlanders co‑captain Ben Smith will miss a second week of Super Rugby because of concussion.
Ben Smith who took a knock to his head in the opening round has failed to make the match day 23 for the Highlanders game against the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown has made two injury enforced changes.
Liam Squire and James Lentjes are out, so captain Elliot Dixon moves to seven, while Luke Whitelock returns from injury to start at eight and Gareth Evans starts at six.
Utility back Marty Banks returns from injury to take a place on the bench.
Brown, has named a forward‑heavy bench with six in the reserves including Aki Seiuli at prop and locks, Jackson Hemopo and Joe Wheeler.
The match will mark 50 games for the Highlanders for Joe Wheeler.
Wheeler made his debut in 2013.
The Blues will take on the Highlanders at 6.35pm Saturday.
Source: Radio New Zealand
