Winger Jona Nareki will start at centre against the Waratahs in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon.
The positional switch is not just for a game or two, either.
Coach Jamie Joseph wants to see how the skilful winger goes one spot closer to the ruck.
‘‘Well, one of the reasons is we're losing two centres next year,’’ Joseph said.
‘‘So, Jona is a coverage player. He's got the skill set that we think can play in that position.’’
‘‘And, you know, having Jonah Lowe, Jona Nareki and Caleb Tangitau now back available for us gives us real options.’’
The Highlanders shape as a more threatening attacking unit with all three on the park.
Tangitau, who suffered a head knock during the 47-40 loss to the Blues last month, returns for the must-win game.
‘‘Clearly, [he’s] an in-form player in the competition. Scores a lot of tries, very quick.
‘‘And, you know, we've been missing him for the last couple of games. It's nice having him back.’’
Finishing has been a real issue for the Highlanders, and Tangitau’s return promises to help out.
It had been frustrating to see opportunities squandered, Joseph conceded.
‘‘I feel that the apprehension, where players are making simple errors and then kind of going within themselves and trying too hard and making more errors, is around pressure and personal stress.
‘‘So the coach's job really is to take away that pressure and really double down and encourage skill.
‘‘I mean, it's easier said than done. It's what the players are feeling every time a mistake has been made, putting a lot of pressure on themselves.
‘‘I think we'll try to take that away from them this week so we can go out under the roof in front of our own crowd and play good rugby.’’
Lowe switches to left wing to make room for Tangitau on the right.
Centre Tanielu Tele’a has picked up an injury and is unavailable.
Adam Lennox gets the start ahead of Folau Fakatava at halfback.
There are a couple of changes in the starting pack.
Lucas Casey starts at openside in place of Veveni Lasaqa and Tomas Lavanini starts at lock, which means Oliver Haig drops to the bench.
Henry Bell replaces Soane Vikena on the bench.
‘‘So, with Lucas, he came on and made a big impact in the last couple of games. It's his preferred position.
‘‘It is against quality opposition, and he’s never let the team down, so he gets an opportunity.’’
The decision to bring in Lavanini was about bringing in a big body to deal with the challenge up front.
‘‘I think the set-piece is going to be a real battle.’’
Highlanders team
To play the Waratahs:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jona Nareki, 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, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Xavier Tito-Harris.
