And they have kept almost the entire crew.
Their mission is to upset the Chiefs in Hamilton tomorrow night.
Jona Nareki is the only name missing from the XV who started in the 31-26 win against the Waratahs.
He has been banned for two weeks for a dangerous tackle and has been replaced by Tanielu Tele’a.
There is only one other change. Loose forward Veveni Lasaqa has been named on the bench.
Speedy outside back Xavier Tito-Harris drops out of the 23 to make room for Lasaqa.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has opted for a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench.
He said he opted for a ‘‘big forward pack against those guys’’ and Lasaqa adds some depth to the loose forward options.
‘‘He's had a week off to get over a couple of things,’’ Joseph said.
‘‘And, you know, he's from that [Chiefs] region originally, and he'll have a lot to play for.
‘‘And he's been playing really well for us this year.’’
The Chiefs loose forward trio of Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson and Wallace Sititi have all played for the All Blacks.
It is a big challenge for the Highlanders.
‘‘Last week it was the Wallabies, this week it's the All Blacks. Next week, it'll be the same.
‘‘We’ll play Du'Plessis Kirifi and [Peter] Lakai. So, you know, I think that’s what a player wants.
‘‘I think the player wants to put himself against the best in the competition, the best in the country, and, you know, individual players want to prove points around those sorts of things.’’
Last week Joseph said he was keen to see how Nareki would perform after moving his winger into centre.
It was a trial run in a sense. And Nareki produced a tidy display up until he was sent off for a dangerous tackle.
That trial is on hold while Nareki serves his suspension.
The Chiefs have named Josh Jacomb and Damian McKenzie in a dual play-making role.
Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said the combination of Jacomb and McKenzie works well.
‘‘Josh and Damian have developed an effective combination that allows us to challenge opposition defences by utilising two playmakers on the field at the same time,” Gibbes said.
“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defence that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.’’
Jacomb is moving south to join the Highlanders next season, which has sparked speculation about Highlanders first five Cameron Millar and whether he will move on.
He has not been officially linked with another squad, but Sport Nation reported he is expected to move north and join the Blues.
Super Rugby Pacific
The teams
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Adam Lennox, Nikora Broughton, Lucas Casey, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Tomas Lavanini, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-captain).
Reserves: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy,Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Kyle Brown, Lalakai Foketi, Kyren Taumoefolau, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (captain), Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Sione Ahio, Samisoni Taukei’aho Ollie Norris.
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Benét Kumeroa, George Dyer, Fiti Sa, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Isaac Hutchinson.
