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Jona Nareki will be the man in the middle again for the Highlanders this weekend.
The ebullient veteran returns from suspension to make just a second start at centre when the Highlanders face the formidable challenge of the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.
A long-time winger, Nareki was doing a solid job in his new position against the Waratahs when he copped a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
That was upgraded to a red and Nareki was later suspended for two weeks.
His ban was cut by a week as he completed World Rugby’s ‘‘tackle school’’ programme.
‘‘We all felt that Jona was going really well in that position,’’ Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said.
‘‘The card was telling. It cost us big-time. But, in my view, he was a little bit unlucky.
‘‘He’s a good rugby player, and adapting to different positions is something good rugby players can do.’’
Nareki replaces Tanielu Tele’a in the midfield in one of three changes to the Highlanders backline that started last week’s loss to the Chiefs.
Young winger Xavier Tito-Harris earns a second start in rather unfortunate circumstances.
There is no doubt the year-ending Achilles injury to star man Caleb Tangitau is a blow, but Tito-Harris is a talent, and he has senior hands all around him.
Musical chairs at halfback continue with Nic Shearer replacing Adam Lennox.
There are two changes in the loose trio.
Co-captain Hugh Renton gets a chance to end another frustrating season on a positive note as he starts at No 8 for just a third time this year.
Nikora Broughton is out for two weeks with a dicky knee.
TK Howden, one of the Highlanders’ most consistent performers, returns to the blindside in place of Sean Withy.
There are two new faces on the bench.
Stanley Solomon, who has been in electric form for the University club, will get an opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut.
He is nominally a fullback but can also cover wing and first five.
Taranaki midfielder Meihana Grindlay, a member of the wider training squad who made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues against the Highlanders two years ago, will also make his first appearance of the season.
The Highlanders have the bye next week so this is the last-chance saloon, and the reality is they head north at long odds to upset the table-topping Hurricanes and retain a mathematic chance of making the playoffs.
Classy halfback Cameron Roigard is missing and try-scoring machine Fehi Fineanganofo is rested, but the Canes are still loaded.
Devan Flanders moves to blindside, Brayden Iose starts at No 8, and Isaia Walker-Leawere partners Warner Dearns at lock.
Bailyn Sullivan starts at centre, and former Highlanders winger Ngane Punivai makes his first appearance since February.
Fullback Josh Moorby and prop Pasilio Tosi play their 50th games for the Hurricanes.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Wellington Regional Stadium
Saturday, 7.05pm
The teams
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Xavier Tito-Harris, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Nic Shearer, Hugh Renton (co-captain), Lucas Casey, TK Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Tomas Lavanini, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Aaron Lennox, Stanley Solomon, Meihana Grindlay.
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Ngane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Jordie Barrett (captain), Kini Naholo, Ruben Love, Ere Enari, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Siale Lauaki.
Reserves: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Allen, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Jordi Viljoen, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova.