Some things never change. Like Aaron Smith’s commitment.
After a record-equalling 153 games for the Highlanders the busy halfback will front again and bring just as much energy as usual - perhaps even more.
But plenty has changed since the Highlanders’ last outing.
The team was outmuscled 39-17 by the Blues at Eden Park two weeks ago.
It was not the result coach Tony Brown was looking for from his charges and he has responded by making eight changes to the starting XV for its match against the Hurricanes in Dunedin tomorrow night.
"Heading into the Blues game we always wanted to make a few changes and give a few guys some opportunities," Brown said.
"But it wasn’t the performance we were after, so we’ve made a few changes this week to give guys that opportunity but bring back some guys who have been performing pretty well."
Perhaps the most notable change will see Mitch Hunt resume at pivot with Josh Ioane dropping back to fullback.
Ioane did not have the best afternoon against the Blues and Brown is looking for improved direction.
"[Hunt] gives us the control we need and he just leads the team from that 10 position," Brown said.
"And I just want to take a bit of the pressure off Josh Ioane and just get him playing rugby.
"It is easier to do that from fullback."
Brown wants Ioane to "free his mind and just go out and play the game that he can play".
"He has just got to back himself and enjoy his rugby."
Everyone wants that. Ioane can be devastating at the top of his game but his confidence appears to have fallen away. Nothing a couple of well-time runs from fullback will not sort out, probably.
Otago rookie of the year Freedom Vahaakolo will make his debut. Japanese World Cup star Kazuki Himeno has been named on the bench as cover for the loose forwards.
Midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen has also been named on the bench, while his twin Peter is in the reserves for the Hurricanes.
It could be a fun final 20 minutes if they both get on.
Towering lock Pari Pari Parkinson returns from an ankle injury to partner Bryn Evans in the middle row.
Southland loosehead prop Ethan de Groot retains his starting place after a solid effort against the Blues. He will be joined in the front row by co-captain Ash Dixon, while prop Ayden Johnstone returns after an extended injury break and will take a spot on the bench.
The game will mark Smith’s 154th appearance for the Highlanders.
He will overtake Ben Smith as the most-capped player in the history of the franchise.
It is a remarkable achievement.
"He amazes me most days," Brown said.
"He is one of the most driven rugby players I’ve ever had to coach. He always comes in with a lot of energy and is always striving to be better than he was last week.
"And he has all these milestones and goals he is trying to tick off before he eventually retires in about 20 years’ time."
Former Hurricanes captain Dane Coles returns to the starting line-up. He missed the side’s opening three matches with a calf strain.
Experienced lock Scott Scrafton returns from an ankle injury to start in the second row in place of James Blackwell, while Wes Goosen replaces Julian Savea on the right wing.
Super Rugby Aotearoa
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Friday at 7.05pm
Highlanders: Josh Ioane, Freedom Vahaakolo, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (co captain), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Pari Pari Parkinson, Bryn Evans, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (co- captain), Ethan De Groot.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, Kazuki Himeno, Folau Fakatava, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Billy Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Salesi Rayasi, Orbyn Leger, Luke Campbell, Ardie Savea (captain), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Scott Scrafton, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Xavier Numia.
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Liam Mitchell,
Devan Flanders, Jonathan Taumateine, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ruben Love.
