Prop Brendon Edmonds will make his debut for the Highlanders, replacing Josh Hohneck, while lock Mark Reddish and hooker Ash Dixon, come into the team for Joe Wheeler and Liam Coltman.
In the backs, Marty Banks will take the place of Lima Sopoaga, who misses the game because of his father being unwell.
Kurt Baker and Hayden Parker come into the reserves.
The Reds have named James O'Connor at first five-eighth with former Highlander Adam Thomson on the flank.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Jason Emery, Patrick Osborne, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-captain), John Hardie, Elliot Dixon, Mark Reddish, Tom Franklin, Ross Geldenhuys, Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds. Reserves:Liam Coltman, Josh Hohnec, Ma'afu Fia, Joe Wheeler, Dan Pryor, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Kurt Baker
Reds: Lachie Turner, Chris Kuridrani, Samu Kerevi, Anthony Fainga'a, Chris Feauai-Sautia, James O'Connor, Will Genia, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson, Marco Kotze, Dave McDuling, Sam Talakai, Saia Fainga'a, James Slipper (captain). reserves: James Hanson, Ben Daley, Sef Faagase, Tom Murday, Curtis Browning, Nick Frisby, Sam Johnson, Campbell Magnay.
