Long-term injured players Pari Pari Parkinson and Ayden Johnstone are both starting the match for the Highlanders Bravehearts against a Crusaders development XV in Pleasant Point today.
Also named in the side is Japanese loose forward Kazuki Himeno who who will play No 8.
He last played a game more than a year ago and arrived in New Zealand last month.
He spent two weeks in isolation where he could do no training.
He then travelled to Dunedin and has been training for just over two weeks. But nothing beats match play and he will be wanting to get out and hit some bodies.
Parkinson had ankle surgery and was not expected back for a few weeks but has made an earlier return than anticipated. The big lock is unlikely to play a full game.
Johnstone was concussed in the North-South match in Wellington last September and has not played since.
He will co-captain the side along with halfback Kayne Hammington.
Veteran hooker Quentin MacDonald will start the game with Ricky Jackson coming off the bench.
The two sides played two weeks ago, also at Pleasant Point, the Highlanders Bravehearts scoring a try in the final minute to win the game 35-31.
