Skipper Andrew Hore has gone to the bench and Liam Coltman will start, while Tony Woodcock and Ma'afu Fia complete a new front row.
Josh Bekhuis comes back into lock after getting over a shoulder injury.
TJ Ioane will start on the blindside flank instead of Joe Wheeler.
In the backline, Hayden Parker will wear the No 10 jersey instead of Colin Slade. Ma'a Nonu comes back, outside Parker, while Jason Emery will start on the right wing.
Veteran Brad Thorn will skipper the side.
The match against the Force is the battle between the two bottom sides, the Highlanders occupying last place.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Jason Emery, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, TJ Ioane, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn (captain), Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Bronson Murray, Joe Wheeler, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Colin Slade, Tino Nemani or Trent Renata.
