Whitelock slots straight in at No8, replacing the injured Liam Squire, while Banks comes onto a bench which has a six forward-two back split.
The other major change sees stand-in captain Elliot Dixon move to openside flanker, with James Lentjes missing due to a dislocated elbow. Gareth Evans will pack down on the blindside.
The backline remains unchanged, with Ben Smith missing for a second week in a row after sustaining a concussion.
Meanwhile six All Blacks will make their first starts of the season for the Blues.
Co-captains James Parsons and Jerome Kaino have been named in the pack, as have Charlie Faumuina and Patrick Tuipolotu. Parsons will captain the side. Meanwhile Murphy Taramai makes his debut at No 8, while Akira Ioane will be used for impact off the bench.
George Moala comes in at second five-eighth, while Rene Ranger slots in on the wing.
Head coach Tana Umaga said the team has welcomed back their All Blacks who are now ready for starting action.
“Jerome and Patrick had delayed starts while Charlie has worked his way to excellent form, and both George and Rene impressed when they came on last week against the Chiefs,” Umaga said.
“There’s good depth in this squad and so there is going to be times when strong players won’t get starts always.”
Highlanders:
Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Gareth Evans, Elliot Dixon ( C ), Luke Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Tevita Li, Rob Thompson, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo, Richard Buckman.
Reserves: Sekonia Pole, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Joe Wheeler, Jackson Hemopo, Dillon Hunt, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks.
Unavailable due to injury: Liam Squire, Shane Christie, Ash Dixon, Dan Pryor, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Ben Smith, Adrian Smith, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes
Out for the season: Jason Emery, Hayden Parker.
Blues:
Pauliasi Manu, James Parsons (c), Charlie Faumuina, Jimmy Tupou, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jerome Kaino, Blake Gibson, Murphy Taramai; Augustine Pulu, Ihaia West, Rene Ranger, George Moala, Rieko Ioane, Matt Duffie, Michael Collins.
Reserves: Matt Moulds, Sam Prattley, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Akira Ioane or Kara Pryor, Billy Guyton, Piers Francis, Melani Nanai.