Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has refreshed his forward pack and welcomes back All Black loose forward Liam Squire and captain Ben Smith for the clash with the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.
Preparing for what will no doubt be a physical encounter, Brown has restored Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Alex Ainley and Elliot Dixon to the starting eight.
Liam Squire makes his return after four weeks on the sideline and will make an impact from the bench.
Ben Smith has shrugged off a hamstring injury which forced him out last week and will take to the field again.
The match will be played for the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy and is held by the home team.
Meanwhile, Sonny Bill Williams will also make his long awaited comeback off the bench.
The big midfielder will start off the bench in the clash with Rieko Ioane and George Moala starting for the Blues in the midfield.
The game kicks off at 7.35pm.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Tevita Li, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Patrick Osborne, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Joe Wheeler, Liam Squire, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes .
Blues: Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, George Moala, Piers Francis, Augustine Pulu, Steve Luatua, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino, Scott Scrafton, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons (captain), Pauliasi Manu.
Reserves: Matt Moulds, Sam Prattley, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Akira Ioane, Billy Guyton, Bryn Gatland, Sonny Bill Williams.