The 11th-placed Highlanders are out of the running for the playoffs after securing just two wins from nine matches but can still play a spoiling role.
The limited options available to coach Glenn Moore were reflected in his decision to make just one change to his starting 15 from their last match, a 27-41 loss to Western Force in Queenstown on April 10 when the Highlanders leaked three tries in the last 10 minutes.
The sole changes comes at first five-eighth, with Michael Hobbs preferred in place of Mat Berquist.
There are a number of changes on the reserves bench, with hooker Peter Mirrielees in for the injured Jason Macdonald, halfback Scott Cowan taking the place of the injured Sean Romans, loose forward Josh Hardie named ahead of Tim Boys and James Paterson replacing Jayden Hayward.
Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Kenny Lynn, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Michael Hobbs, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, Jason Rutledge, Chris King. Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Bronson Murray, Joe Tuineau, John Hardie, Scott Cowan, Robbie Robinson, James Paterson.
