Elliot Dixon will return to the starting blindside flanker spot for the Highlanders on Saturday night. Photo: Getty Images

Elliot Dixon has been elevated to the Highlanders starting line-up after a man-of-the-match performance off the bench last week.

He replaces the injured Liam Squire in the No 6 jersey for Saturday's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington. 

Dixon is joined in the loose forwards by Dillon Hunt and Luke Whitelock, while Marino Mikaele-Tu'u comes into the reserves.

Daniel Lienert-Brown and Tyrel Lomax are the starting props, while Aki Seiuli and Siate Tokolahi move to the reserves.

Otago first five-eighth Josh Ioane also takes a spot on the bench.

The game begins at 7.35pm at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Highlanders to play Hurricanes:

Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, DillonHunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.

Reserves: Ash Dixon, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Matt Faddes.