Highlanders Super rugby head coach Aaron Mauger has named his team to play the Sunwolves at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.
The Highlanders beat the Blues in their last outing so coach Mauger has stuck largely with the same group but rest Ben Smith.
In the forwards, the hard-working Shannon Frizell makes way for the Captain, Luke Whitelock, at six with Elliot Dixon retaining his spot at eight following some good form over the last few weeks.
In the backs, Patelesio Tomkinson, moves to the right wing to accommodate the return of Rob Thompson at centre and Matt Faddes moves to fullback to cover for the rested Ben Smith.
The bench will have a six / two split with Dillon Hunt being included in the forwards mix, Kayne Hammington and Bryn Gatland will cover the backs.
Liam Squire (knee), Waisake Naholo (knee), Marty Banks (foot), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (back), Season – Tevita Nabura (knee) Richard Buckman (achilles) were all unavailable for selection.
Highlanders
15 Matt Faddes, 14 Sio Tomkinson, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Luke Whitelock (captain), 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Jackson Hemopo, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown
Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Dillon Hunt