The Highlanders have been boosted by the return of All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan and experienced lock Tom Donnelly for Saturday night's South Island Super 14 rugby derby against the Crusaders in Dunedin.
Cowan, the incumbent All Black halfback, returns after missing three matches since injuring an elbow in the season-opening loss to the Brumbies. He replaces Sean Romans, who drops to the bench.
Second rower Donnelly, a 52-match veteran for the franchise, is involved for the first time this season after suffering a thumb injury during pre-season training. He is also named in the reserves.
Highlander head coach Glenn Moore has made two other changes from the line-up that started last Friday's 16-34 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney.
George Naoupu replaces No 8 Steven Setephano while Jayden Hayward replaces the injured Johnny Leota at second five-eighth.
Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Jayden Hayward, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Daniel Bowden, Jimmy Cowan (captain), George Naoupu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, David Hall, Chris King.
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, Tom Donnelly, Steven Setephano, Sean Romans, Mathew Berquist, Kendrick Lynn.
