But while there is plenty of movement between the bench and the starting XV, the game-day squad has a familiar feel.
Outside back Amanaki Nicole has been ruled out with a chest injury. Rory van Vugt will take his spot in the starting side, while Tevita Latu will come on to the bench.
Towering lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit is out for at least three weeks with a knee injury. Ray Tatafu will start in his absence and Craig Smith will get an opportunity from the bench.
Halfback Logan Crowley was initially named on the bench but was scratched late. He has a knee injury and a tight calf.
Raniera Takarangi will start at No9 with Liam Howley providing cover.
The other changes are in the front row with the four props switching roles. Hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate retains his spot in the starting line-up.
The match shapes as critical for Southland’s playoff prospects. The Stags are fourth in the Championship with 11 points, while Taranaki is fifth with 10 points.
The visitors will have to work hard to crack Southland’s defence if recent form is a reliable guide.
Southland has conceded just 65 points in five games, but its attack is the least productive.
Southland has scored just 64 points but coach Dale MacLeod is confident in the side’s ability to split the defence.
"We are ticking all the [defensive] boxes but the thing with our attack is we have created so many opportunities but we have not taken them, for whatever reason.
"I have no doubt, once our attack clicks, we are going to surprise a few teams."
Taranaki captain Mitchell Brown returns to the starting line-up for the first time since round one.
He has been sidelined with a hamstring complaint and made his playing return from the bench last week.
He will start on the blindside.
Veteran prop Ben May is serving a two-week ban, so Reuben O’Neill will switch sides in the front row and Jared Proffit returns to loosehead.
Teenage lock Josh Lord replaces Kaylum Boshier in the only other change.
Mitre 10 Cup
Invercargill, tomorrow, 7.05pm
Southland: Joshua Moorby, Penikolo Latu, Isaac Te Tamaki, Ray Nu’u, Rory van Vugt, Scott Eade, Raniera Takarangi, Tony Lamborn, Matthew James, Charles Alaimalo, Ray Tatafu, Mike McKee, Siate Tokolahi, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Sebastian Siataga, Joseph Walsh, Chris Apoua, Craig Smith, Glenn Preston, Liam Howley, Greg Dyer, Tevita Latu.
Taranaki: Jayson Potroz, Jacob Ratumaitayuki-Kneepkens, Sean Wainui, Daniel Waite, Lewis Ormond, Stepehn Perofeta, Warwick Lahmert, Pita Gus Sowakula, Lachlan Boshier, Mitchell Brown, Finlamor Hoeata, Josh Lord, Reuben O’Neill, Ricky Riccitelli, Jared Proffit. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Chris Gawler, Donald Brighouse, Kaylum Boshier, Mitchell Crosswell, Lisati Milo-Harris, Codey Rei, Lukas Halls.