Chris Boyd has named his side to face the Highlanders on Friday night in round six of the 2015 Investec Super Rugby competition.

Jeremy Thrush comes back into the starting line-up and will pair with Blade Thomson in what will be his first start at lock for 2015, while Cory Jane replaces Matt Proctor on the right wing.

Ben May occupies a spot on the bench after returning from a leg injury, and Callum Gibbins also returns to the match day 23.

In a late scratching, Dane Coles has been ruled out of the team with an elbow injury, promoting Motu Matu'u to the starting 15, and Brayden Mitchell to the bench.

With both teams celebrating successful wins over the past couple of weeks, and having one of the closest derby rivalries in New Zealand, this match is shaping up to be an exciting contest.

Each of the franchises' past 12 Super Rugby encounters have been decided by within seven points, while the away team has won six of their last eight clashes.

The team to face the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium is;

1. Reggie Goodes

2. Motu Matu'u

3. Ben Franks

4. Jeremy Thrush

5. Blade Thomson

6. Brad Shields

7. Ardie Savea

8. Victor Vito

9. TJ Perenara

10. Beauden Barrett

11. Julian Savea

12. Ma'a Nonu

13. Conrad Smith (c)

14. Cory Jane

15. Nehe Milner-Skudder

Reserves

16. Brayden Mitchell

17. Ben May

18. Chris Eves

19. Mark Abbott

20. Callum Gibbins

21. Chris Smylie

22. Rey Lee-Lo

23. James Marshall