The newcomers will all need to make an impact if the Highlanders are to beat the Blues at Eden Park for the first time since 2018.
That would not only keep Joseph’s side in the playoff hunt but would return a special piece of silverware — the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy — to the cabinet in Dunedin.
Experienced flanker Sean Withy should be primed for a big performance.
Withy has had to be content with a place on the bench in the past two games but he is restored to the starting XV for his 50th game for the Highlanders.
The hard-working Southlander started four of the first five games on the openside flank but is possibly a nicer fit in the No 6 jersey and opposite the more mobile Veveni Lasaqa.
Withy’s selection pushes the taller TK Howden, one of the Highlanders’ most consistent performers in recent weeks, to lock, replacing Oliver Haig.
Pumas lock Tomas Lavanini remains sidelined for another week with an injured finger.
Nikora Broughton starts again at No 8 with Lucas Casey restored to the bench and co-captain Hugh Renton missing altogether after getting 22min in the 14-9 loss to the Brumbies last Friday.
There are two changes to the backline.
Tanielu Tele’a earns a third start of the season as in-form centre Jonah Lowe has a minor calf injury.
Rookie halfback Nic Shearer drops out after starting the past two games, and Adam Lennox starts for the second time this season.
Taine Robinson remains at fullback after a solid comeback against the Brumbies.
There is a touch of excitement about the bench with the additions of Finn Hurley and Xavier Tito-Harris.
Hurley is back in Super Rugby action after most of his 2025 rugby year was wrecked by injury, while the promising Tito-Harris gets to make a Super Rugby debut in his home city.
Highlanders team
Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Adam Lennox, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-captain). Reserves: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Xavier Tito-Harris, Finn Hurley.
