The Otago utility back gets his chance to start as the side plays the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Inside him Tei Walden and Richard Buckman come into the midfield, bringing experience where the side has used youth in recent matches.
Rob Thompson will also make his return from injury from the bench.
Marty Banks retains the No 10 jersey, while Kayne Hammington comes in for the injured Aaron Smith at halfback.
In the forwards James Lentjes comes in at openside flanker, while Josh Dickson replaces Pari Pari Parkinson in the only changes to the starting eight.
Jackson Hemopo and Elliot Dixon form the backbone of what looks to be a strong bench.
Highlanders team to play Hurricanes
Ben Smith, Matt Faddes, Richard Buckman, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Marty Banks, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Josh Dickson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Jackson Hemopo, Elliot Dixon, Folau Fakatava, Josh Ioane, Rob Thompson.
Comments
Even with Aaron Smith out this still looks a stronger backline than The Blues game. On current form we should be back to winning ways although the Hurricanes are more up and down than the Warriors at the moment so who knows.