Coach Jamie Joseph has swung the selection axe. There are six changes to the team which lost to the Blues last Friday in Auckland, and only one has been forced by injury.
Otago inside backs Fumiaki Tanaka and Hayden Parker will start, in an attempt to steer the Highlanders to their first win of the season.
Ma'afu Fia comes into the side at tighthead prop to replace Chris King, while loose forward TJ Ioane comes in for his first start on the blindside flank. Jarrad Hoeata moves into lock and Josh Bekhuis drops to the bench.
Right winger Kade Poki comes back into the team after missing last week because of sore ribs.
His replacement from last week, Buxton Popoali'i, suffered a nasty blow to the neck last week, also being knocked out, and was not considered for the game.
The dumping of Smith and Slade may seem radical, considering they have both worn the All Black jersey, but they have been struggling for form all season.
Smith has been lacking the crispness of pass from last year, and dropping a few balls.
He has all the the hallmarks of a player who is trying too hard, while Slade has been out of rugby for the best part of two years and is taking a while to get up to speed. It will be the first start at this level for both Tanaka and Parker.
Lima Sopoaga was unavailable after rolling an ankle last week.
Ioane has come from nowhere, not selected in the original squad, but his abrasive running style has looked good off the bench in the past couple of weeks, and he wins promotion to the starting team.
Highlanders v Brumbies
FB Stadium, tomorrow, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Phil Burleigh, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, TJ Ioane, Jarrad Hoeata, Brad Thorn, Ma'afu Fia, Andrew Hore (captain), Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Chris King, Josh Bekhuis, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Colin Slade, Jason Emery.
Brumbies: Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Andrew Smith, Christian Lealiifano, Joe Tomane, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (captain), George Smith, Jordan Smiler, Sam Carter, Peter Kimlin, Dan Palmer, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Reserves: Siliva Siliva, Scott Sio, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Pat McCabe, Tevita Kuridrani.