First five-eighth Beauden Barrett will return to the Hurricanes' starting team this Friday night in one of three changes to the side which faced the Crusaders.
Coach Chris Boyd has opted to move Blade Thomson into flanker and Victor Vito to No. 8, giving Brad Shields a well-earned breather. Should Shields come off the bench at McLean Park, it will mark his 50th match for the club.
Jeremy Thrush is set to become the most capped Hurricanes' forward on Friday with 107 matches to his name, taking over Andrew Hore's previous record of 106 caps.
In the final change, Rey Lee-Lo comes into the starting line-up.
The starting team to face the Highlanders at McLean Park this Friday, kick-off 7.35pm, is;
- Reggie Goodes
- Dane Coles
- Ben Franks
- Jeremy Thrush
- James Broadhurst
- Blade Thomson
- Ardie Savea
- Victor Vito
- TJ Perenara
- Beauden Barrett
- Julian Savea
- Rey Lee-Lo
- Conrad Smith
- Nehe Milner-Skudder
- James Marshall
Reserves
16. Brayden Mitchell
17. Chris Eves
18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen
19. Mark Abbott
20. Brad Shields
21. Chris Smylie
22. Callum Gibbins/Willis Halaholo
23. Cory Jane/Ma'a Nonu