The side has wasted no time in bringing Ben and Aaron Smith back to face the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday.
However, a young trio has been trusted in the 10, 12 and 13 jerseys between them.
Josh Ioane returns from fullback to first five-eighth, while Thomas Umaga-Jensen moves one spot in, to second five-eighth.
They are joined by the hard-hitting Sio Tomkinson at centre, who gets a chance in the starting line-up.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger felt the trio had developed well over both this year and last.
He said Ioane was ''the best man for the job'' at No10 this week, while the Hurricanes' powerful runners were key in the midfield selections.
''We've gone for a physical midfield,'' Mauger said.
''We know the Hurricanes backs are very physical, they're a big backline, we want to make sure we match them there.
''Both Thomas and Sio deserve that opportunity, they've both played good footy.
''I thought Sio was outstanding off the bench last week.
''His physicality and his intent put us in a position towards the end of the game to give ourselves a crack at winning it.
''So he gets rewarded for that performance.''
Richard Buckman gets his first start of the year on the right wing, pairing with Tevita Li.
Waisake Naholo remains on a minutes restriction and will come off the bench.
Having missed the first game, tomorrow will count as the last of his first three games.
Therefore he only has 37 of the 180 minutes the All Blacks are available for in their opening three encounters.
Mauger was hoping for a stronger performance at scrum time, coinciding with a return to a front row of Ayden Johnstone, Liam Coltman and Tyrel Lomax.
Pari Pari Parikinson is one of two players to remain in the same position from last week at lock.
He partners Josh Dickson, who returns after being rested last week, and drew some high praise from Mauger.
''On form he's right up there I think, in terms of the leading locks in the competition.
''So he comes back in and gets a chance to lead the lineout again, alongside Pari who's a massive physical presence for us.''
Luke Whitelock comes in for Elliot Dixon at No8, while Jackson Hemopo comes in on the blindside flank for Shannon Frizell, who is being rested.
James Lentjes is the other to remain in the same spot on the openside flank.
The Hurricanes have named a similar side to the one which beat the Brumbies 43-13 last week.
Jordie Barrett comes in on the right wing, while Jeff To'omaga-Allen fills the tighthead prop spot.