Teihorangi Walden will start at second five-eighth against the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium, while Matt Faddes drops to the bench.
Meanwhile only two specialist locks have been named in Jackson Hemopo and Tom Franklin.
No8 Luke Whitelock has previously provided cover in the second row.
Prop Tyrell Lomax, who has been named in the reserves, will make his debut should he take the field.
Coach Aaron Mauger said the team was looking forward to its first outing.
"For us this game is an opportunity for the players to put a performance on the park," he said.
"Throughout the preseason we have had a real focus on producing a performance that we and our supporters can be proud of.
"It’s great we have the opening match at our home ground for the Gordon Hunter Trophy; it gives us a really good opportunity to connect with our people."
The Gordon Hunter Trophy was currently held by the Highlanders and had been contested between the two sides 16 times since 2002.
Highlanders team to play the Blues:
Ben Smith (cc), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Tyrell Lomax, Elliot Dixon, Dan Pryor, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes.