The Highlanders are going to muscle up out wide.
They have rejigged their backline for the crucial game against the Hurricanes in Dunedin on Saturday.
There is an element of rest and rotation to some of the changes. But they have also added beef and experience.
First five Mitch Hunt will take a seat on the bench this weekend, and so will centre Fetuli Paea. Both have had a heavy workload.
Marty Banks gets the start in the No 10 jersey and will be playing his 50th Super Rugby game.
Former England international Denny Solomona will start at centre.
He has played most of his rugby on the right flank, but coach Tony Brown is keen to see what the solid 28-year-old can offer in the midfield.
"He is a really good rugby player — really confident in his ability and he adds a lot of leadership for our backs," Brown said.
"I’m looking forward to him going out there and playing well."
Powerful ball carrier Thomas Umaga-Jensen makes a timely return from a groin injury.
He is one of the Highlanders' stronger ball carrier and his skillset will be warmly welcomed given the absence of All Black loosie Shannon Frizell, who is out for eight weeks with a knee complaint.
Scott Gregory moves out to the wing to accommodate Umaga-Jensen’s return.
Winger Mosese Dawai, who was just starting to get cosy at Super Rugby level, drops out of the side.
Hooker Liam Coltman returns to the starting line-up following illness, and Bryn Evans comes in for the injured Manaaki Selby-Rickit.
Loose forward Billy Harmon make his first appearance in the Highlanders 23 this season. He damaged his shoulder in October.
The Highlanders had a solid 37-17 win against Moana Pasifika last week.
They leaned on the rolling maul to score the bulk of their tries, but the Hurricanes will present a sterner challenge up front and have potent threats out wide.
Former All Black winger Julian Savea is back near his best and bumping off tackles again. Brother Ardie Savea is always a threat when he has the ball, and Jordie Barrett is another key player the Highlanders will need to shut down.
The experience Banks and Solomona bring should help marshall the defence, and Umaga-Jensen’s job is just a barge through gaps and pick up where he left off.
It is the last game under the roof at Forsyth Stadium until the Highlanders host the Force on May 13.
They play the Brumbies in Melbourne next weekend. Then it is off to Suva for a fixture against Fiji Drua and then to Brisbane to play the Reds.
It is a key period and the Highlanders badly need to begin the stretch with a win against the Hurricanes.
"The Hurricanes play an expansive style and under the roof we have had some great clashes, so Saturday night should be awesome. I know as a team we are excited about the opportunity," Brown said.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Dunedin, Saturday, 7.05pm at Forsyth Barr Stadium
Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Billy Harmon, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Fetuli Paea.
