The Highlanders have made five changes to their team to take on the Sharks in Durban in the side's first playoff game for 12 years.
Three of the changes are in the backs while there is also a recall for lock Jarrad Hoeata, who has not been sighted in a Highlanders jersey since May.
All Black fullback and Highlanders co-captain Ben Smith comes back into the team after missing the loss to the Crusaders because of a leg infection. He replaces Trent Renata, who moves to the bench.
Phil Burleigh comes into second five-eighth, replacing Shaun Treeby, while Lima Sopoaga gets a start at first five-eighth in place of Hayden Parker.
Hoeata last played for the Highlanders in the loss to the Reds at the end of May and has missed selection since then with Otago lock Tom Franklin preferrred.
But coach Jamie Joseph has gone back to Hoeata, who adds some steel to the pack and will not give an inch against what will be a rugged Sharks pack.
Hoeata is due to join Cardiff at the end of the season and will want to give his all for a side for whom he has impressed over the past four seasons.
The Highlanders lineout was well off key last week and Hoeata brings some experience to that role although he is in the side to add some experience to the pack and hit hard at the breakdowns.
In the hooking position, Liam Coltman swaps places with Ged Robinson, who will get the start.
Coltman had issues with his lineout throwing last week against the Crusaders, in what was a wonky set-piece performance by the men from the south.
Robinson is a reliable, experienced player, if lacking the energy and dynamic ability of Coltman.
Gareth Evans has been included on the bench with Joseph going for a six-forward, two-back split in his reserves.
The Highlanders arrived in Durban on Tuesday and will be adjusting to the temperatures and getting over the jet lag.
The Sharks will be back at home for the first time in more than a month and may have some key players - backs Pat Lambie and JP Pietersen, and prop Tendai Mtawarira - back from injury.
The Sharks team is due to be named today.
Highlanders v Sharks: Durban, Sunday, 3.05am
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Phil Burleigh, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-captain), Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Ged Robinson, Kane Hames. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Matias Diaz, JP Koen, Josh Bekhuis, Tom Franklin, Fumiaki Tanaka, Trent Renata, Gareth Evans
