Coach Aaron Mauger has called in some fresh bodies for the match against the Chiefs in Hamilton tomorrow night to help get more parity when it comes to territory.
The team suffered its first loss last week, losing 29-12 to the Hurricanes in Wellington. One of the big lessons was you cannot win games without getting your toes into the red zone.
''Territory is the big one for us,'' Mauger said.
''It is going to be tough to win against the best sides or any side in this competition with 29% territory,'' Mauger said.
''I think that was probably about 15% in the second half. We only had the ball for one second, in control, in the opposition 22 which was when Waisake [Naholo] scored that try.
''It is tough to win games when you are not nailing that part of your game.''
Co-captain Ash Dixon moves from the bench to the starting side and takes the place of Liam Coltman, who suffered a head knock against the Hurricanes and also has a hip complaint.
''He came back today but he will go through that return to play protocol,'' Mauger said.
''We didn't want to put him under any pressure with the short turnaround.''
Tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi will resume his spot in the starting side with Tyrel Lomax dropping to the bench.
Lock Josh Dickson will make his first appearance for the Highlanders this season. He has impressed during the pre-season and had a strong game for University in the club competition.
Tom Franklin, who has started all four games this season, moves to the bench to make way for Dickson.
The midfield has been tweaked as well with Matt Faddes getting a start at centre. Sio Tomkinson comes on to the bench, while second five-eighth Tei Walden drops out of the 23.
''It is just a chance to freshen things up really,'' Mauger said.
''One thing we really pride ourselves on is the depth in our squad. The guys who have come in have all been training well and performing well for the Bravehearts.''
Faddes' introduction will give the Highlanders backline a bit more dash. He has a proven ability to break the line but Walden has been the ''glue in the backline''.
Finding the balance between keeping players fresh and making sure that the Highlanders were strong enough to win
games made for some tough selection meetings.
Some of the positions were ''hotly debated'' and ''everyone has different perspectives in the coaching group around their own areas but also what we need as a team''.
''But that is my job - to take all that information and make those calls. Normally, by the time we have finished, we are all in agreement.''
Mauger said the Chiefs had hit some good form and had ''shown a lot of spirit with a couple of gutsy wins''.
''They are obviously a very connected side ... they are also a very abrasive side as well, so we are expecting a physical encounter.''
The Chiefs have made three changes to the starting XV which recorded a 61-10 win over the Sunwolves in Tokyo last Saturday.
Marty McKenzie moves from fullback to the bench, with Solomon Alaimalo shifting from left wing to No 15. Sean Wainui will start on the left flank.