Coach Glenn Moore has replaced first five-eighth Robbie Robinson with Mathew Berquist. Moore said Robinson would get some game time from the bench.
Berquist has not started a match since playing the Bulls about a month ago, but has the start, after Robinson struggled last week.
The Force has named Wallabies outside back Cameron Shepherd at right wing, his first game in the Super 14 this year, after he strained a thigh in the warm-up to the first match of the season, against the Brumbies.
The Perth-based side was hit by injuries earlier in the season but has welcomed back Wallabies loose forwards Richard Brown and David Pocock in recent weeks.
Moore said despite the Force sitting in 13th position, it was a quality side, with dangerous players.
"They had a lot of injury problems in the early part of the season but a lot of those guys have come back and they will be a formidable opposition," he said.
"Everyone was a bit disappointed with what happened last week. But the big thing for us, is we've just got to do the basics well and play for 80 minutes. That showed last week. If we can keep the ball, then we can create the chances."
Nailing chances has been the difference between winning and losing for the Highlanders this year, a fact Moore acknowledged.
"You can simulate these things as much as what you want in training but at the end of the day, it comes down to white-hot decisions, made in split seconds on the field."
Moore said playing a day game had brought some excitement to the side, as did playing in Queenstown.
With fine weather forecast, and a dry ground, the ball should be given some air, and Moore said handling should be easier for the players.
Wing Fetu'u Vainikolo will be wanting to back up his excellent performance against the Chiefs and Moore said he is getting the rewards after some hard work.
"He was under the pump early on in the season but has responded well and has worked really hard."
The Force arrived in Queenstown yesterday and was looking forward to the match, after scoring its first win of the season last week, a last-minute 16-15 victory over the Stormers.
Coach John Mitchell had the rarity of nearly a full squad to pick from, although halfback Brett Sheehan and wing Scott Staniforth are still unavailable.
HIGHLANDERS v FORCE
- Queenstown, tomorrow, 2.30pm
• HIGHLANDERS: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Kendrick Lynn, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Mathew Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, Jason Rutledge, Chris King.
Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Bronson Murray, Joe Tuineau, Tim Boys, Sean Romans, Robbie Robinson, Jayden Hayward.
• FORCE: James O'Connor, Cameron Shepherd, Mitch Inman, Ryan Cross, Mark Bartholomeusz, David Hill, Chris O'Young, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Tom Hockings, Tim Fairbrother, Ben Whittaker, Pek Cowan.
Reserves: Nathan Chalmers, Matt Dunning, Ben McCalman, Sam Wykes, Justin Turner, Sam Harris, Dane Haylett-Petty.
