The side has made four changes to the pack that started last week.
Alongside those, Josh McKay comes on to the right wing to play the Rebels at Forsyth Barr Stadium
Jack Whetton replaces Josh Dickson at lock, the latter having left the field last week with a shoulder injury.
Teariki Ben-Nicholas also earns a call up after several strong performances off the bench.
He replaces Shannon Frizell at blindside flanker.
In the front row both Ash Dixon and Daniel Lienert-Brown step in for Liam Coltman and Ayden Johnstone, who are both in the reserves.
Jeff Thwaites, Manaaki Selby-Rickit and Scott Gregory are all in line to make their Highlanders' debuts of the bench, while Dillon Hunt also returns to the bench.
Highlanders team to play the Rebels:
Michael Collins, Josh McKay, Rob Thompson, Josh Ioane, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, James Lentjes, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Jack Whetton, Jesse Parete, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone, Jeff Thwaites, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Dillon Hunt, Kayne Hammington, Tei Walden, Scott Gregory.