He has been named on the left wing to replace Kendrick Lynn, who filled the spot against the Reds in Invercargill last weekend.
"This game is more suited for Fetu'u's style of game," coach Glenn Moore told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
"He is the right guy to do the job for us in this game."
Moore said the coaching staff have been pleased with Lynn's contribution, and his relegation to the reserves benches just reflected the nature of the hard-running game expected from the Blues.
It is the only change made to the team for the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy match, which is important for both teams.
The Highlanders have won only once at Eden Park in Super rugby, a 20-13 victory seven years ago.
Moore will be looking for a stronger start from his team than it delivered against the Reds, when it conceded a try inside the first minute.
"We didn't have a good game in Invercargill and we will have to string our moves together to win in Auckland. Everyone knows that," Moore said.
The Highlanders have a four-win, four-loss record and a mid-table placing as they move into the business end of the competition.
Meanwhile, the injury-hit Blues have bracketed All Black prop Tony Woodcock in their starting line-up for the match.
Woodcock has been sidelined for five weeks by an inner ear problem that has affected his balance but had trained well this week, team officials said.
Blues assistant coach Shane Howarth rated the prop an 80% chance to play.
Woodcock has been bracketed with Tevita Mailau.
On the other side of the scrum, Charlie Faumuina has been named into the starting XV, replacing prop John Afoa, who sustained an ankle injury during last week's 36-12 win over the Lions.
In another injury-enforced change, Jimmy Gopperth comes in at first five-eighth in place of Tasesa Lavea, who has a hamstring twinge.
With Chris Smylie sustaining a hamstring tear against the Lions, the Blues have bracketed Taniele Moa with Grayson Hart at halfback.
The rest of the backline is unchanged with Isaia Toeava and Anthony Tuitavake filling the midfield with Joe Rokocoko, Rudi Wulf and Paul Williams completing the back three.
Moa was yesterday fined $1200 and given a warning by the NZRU after a bottle-throwing incident last month.
Moa was involved in an incident at the Marist rugby club on March 28, where a bottle was thrown, hitting a woman.
NZRU general manager professional rugby Neil Sorensen said Moa also appeared in Auckland District Court yesterday charged with assault and was granted diversion.
Moa has already served a one-match suspension last week, missing the Blues-Lions match.
He has also been directed to complete an alcohol counselling programme in full, which he has already begun.
Highlanders v Blues
Eden Park, Auckland, 7.35pm tomorrow
Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Daniel Bowden, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Mathew Berquist, Jimmy Cowan (captain), George Naoupu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh.
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Chris King, Hayden Triggs, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Johnny Leota, Kendrick Lynn.
Blues: Paul Williams, Joe Rokocoko, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Rudi Wulf, Jimmy Gopperth, Taniela Moa/Grayson Hart, Jerome Kaino, Josh Blackie, Chris Lowrey, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiau, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock/Tevita Mailau.
Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau/James Afoa, Jay Williams, Peter Saili, Grayson Hart, Michael Hobbs, Rene Ranger.
- With NZPA
