Hore makes way for youngster Liam Coltman at hooker and Brad Thorn takes over the captaincy.
With Jarrad Hoeata suspended, the impressive TJ Ioane gets a start on the blindside flank, back where his rugby career started in Wellington. All Black halfback Aaron Smith starts again in the No 9 jersey with Fumiaki Tanaka moving to the reserves.
Ma'a Nonu is suspended for three weeks after receiving a red card last week, and is replaced by Buxton Popoali'i in the reserves.
The Highlanders are bottom of the table but know if they win tomorrow they may leapfrog the Kings, who sit just two points above them.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Shaun Treeby, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, Elliot Dixon, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn (captain), T J Ioane, Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Andrew Hore, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, Joe Wheeler, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoali'i.
