Malakai Fekitoa moves to the left wing to replace the injured Patrick Osborne with Winston Stanley starting at centre.
John Hardie starts on the openside flank, instead of Shane Christie, and Joe Wheeler comes into lock to replace the injured Brad Thorn.
Former Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh will start off the bench for the Chiefs but the side welcomes back halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow and flanker Tanerau Latimer.
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Richard Buckman, Winston Stanley, Shaun Treeby, Malakai Fekitoa, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu (co-captain), John Hardie, Gareth Evans, Joe Wheeler, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Liam Coltman, Kane Hames. Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Matias Diaz, Craig Millar, Josh Bekhuis, Shane Christie, Fumiaki Tanaka, Trent Renata, Phil Burleigh.
Chiefs: Mils Muliaina, Tim Nanai-Williams, Robbie Fruean, Charlie Ngatai, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden (co-captain), Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam (co-captain), Tanerau Latimer, Nick Crosswell, Matt Symons, Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger, Pauliasi Manu. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Jamie Mackintosh, Josh Hohneck, Tevita Koloamatangi, Liam Squire, Brad Weber, Andrew Horrell, James Lowe.
