Fijian-born winger Jona Nareki returns from a minor injury to resume his place on the left wing, and Tongan-born halfback Folau Fakatava is restored to his role behind the scrum.
Both can expect to be kept busy when the Highlanders play the Fijian Drua in the warmth of Ba on Saturday afternoon.
Nareki’s verve and booming left boot were in full flow in the first half of the competition, and the effervescent outside back, who pushes youngster Xavier Tito-Harris to the bench, is sure to try a few things in the land of his birth.
Likewise, Fakatava should be primed for a big performance.
His form was solid if unspectacular in the early stages of the season, and he was subsequently dropped.
Nic Shearer had a magnificent debut against Moana Pasifika, and Adam Lennox had a wonderful game against the Blues, but there is a clear indication Jamie Joseph is still not convinced there is a No 1 halfback option.
There are three changes from the pack that started the win over Moana Pasifika at Super Round in Christchurch.
TK Howden is back in the starting side at blindside, pushing Oliver Haig back to lock, and sidelining Argentine lock Tomas Lavanini.
Angus Ta’avao replaces Saula Ma’u at tighthead prop, and while the Highlanders’ leaky lineout was marginally better at the weekend, hooker Soane Vikena makes way for the energetic Jack Taylor.
A traditional 5-3 bench features veteran prop Daniel Lienert-Brown as Josh Bartlett has a foot injury and could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
No 8 and co-captain Hugh Renton appears neither on the bench nor on the casualty list.
Star winger Caleb Tangitau is still not ready to play after being concussed against the Blues.
As well as Nareki, the game in Ba will be special for other Highlanders with Fijian heritage.
Co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai was born in Fiji and represented his home nation at under-20 level, openside flanker Veveni Lasaqa was born in Lautoka, and fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has a Fijian mum.
The Highlanders stayed in camp in Christchurch after their game at One New Zealand Stadium and fly to Fiji tomorrow.
Highlanders team
To play Drua
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, TK Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Angus Ta’avao, Jack
Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-captain). Reserves: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Sean Withy, Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Taine Robinson, Xavier Tito-Harris.
