Seven All Blacks and a 50th game milestone are the significant features of the team named by Head Coach Jamie Joseph.
Returning to the team are All Blacks Elliot Dixon, Aaron and Ben Smith, Malakai Fekitoa and Waisake Naholo. Patrick Osborne will play his 50th Super rugby game.
Apart from Dixon, Joseph has bought in Joe Wheeler, Siosuia Halanukonuka and James Lentjes to freshen the forward pack for what is expected to be a tough forward
battle against a Pumas laden Jaguares.
"The Jaguares forwards were very good against the Bulls in wet conditions last week so we are anticipating a big game up front" said Joseph.
Watch Elliot Dixon and Teihorangi Walden announce match day squad in Te Reo
Aaron Smith will be a welcome return at halfback and will have a key role in directing the team around the field while Captain Ben Smith will be a threat to the Jaguares defence from the back. The return of Fekitoa and Naholo will provide plenty of speed and power to the Highlanders out wide.
Highlanders squad to play Jaguares.
Josh Hohneck, Ash Dixon, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, James Lentjes,Luke Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Patrick Osborne, Rob Thompson, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo Ben Smith (C)
Reserves
Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Ross Geldenhuys, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Te Aihe Toma, Fletcher Smith,Matt Faddes