Front rowers Ged Robinson and Chris King come into the front row while Jarrad Hoeata gets a start at lock.
The loose forward trio and backline stay the same as last week.
The Blues will start both Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino but have lost Piri Weepu, who has suffered a minor stroke and will not play for four weeks.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Phil Burleigh, Patrick Osborne, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-captain),
Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Ged Robinson, Kane Hames. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Craig Millar, Ma'afu Fia, Joe Wheeler, TJ Ioane, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Shaun Treeby.
Blues: Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Jackson Willison, Ma'a Nonu, George Moala, Simon Hickey, Bryn Hall, Steven Luatua, Luke Braid (captain), Jerome Kaino, Hayden Triggs, Liaki Moli, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Angus Ta'avao, Tom Donnelly, Peter Saili, Sonatone Takulua, Pita Ahki, Benji Marshall.