A loose forward boost for the Highlanders ahead of their Super Rugby quarterfinal against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night.
Co-captain Shane Christie is back in the starting line-up replacing James Lentjes at number seven, after missing the last two matches with illness.
Prop Josh Hohneck and hooker Ash Dixon will celebrate their 50th Super Rugby game, while midfield back Rob Thompson replaces lock Alex Ainley on the bench.
All Black Liam Squire will start this weekend and has been named an Number 8.
1.Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2.Ash Dixon 3.Josh Hohneck, 4.Tom Franklin, 5.Luke Whitelock, 6.Elliot Dixon, 7.Shane Christie ( cc ), 8.Liam Squire, 9.Aaron Smith, 10.Lima Sopoaga, 11.Patrick Osborne,12.Malakai Fekitoa,13.Matt Faddes,14.Waisake Naholo,15.Ben Smith ( cc )
16.Liam Coltman, 17.Aki Seiuli,18.Siosiua Halanukonuka,19.Mark Reddish, 20.Dan Pryor, 21.Te Aihe Toma, 22.Fletcher Smith, 23.Rob Thompson.
Newshub.
