Injuries to Liam Coltman and Rhys Marshall means Apisai is poised to make an unlikely appearance for the Highlanders.
Incredibly, he has spent time as a replacement with four New Zealand clubs this season alone.
In other changes, Hugh Renton will replace James Lentjes in the loose forwards after Lentjes left the field last week with a shoulder injury.
The Highlanders welcome back some fresh legs in the form of All Black Shannon Frizell after a long layoff for injury. He will be looking to make a real impact off the bench with his ability to carry the ball.
Scott Gregory is reinstated to the midfield, Mosese Dawai to the left wing and Connor Garden-Bachop returns at fullback.
The Highlanders are firmly embracing the underdog tag.
With four wins from 14 games, compared with the Blues' record of 13 wins from 14 games, most are picking a win for the home team.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown is focused on another number — it is a one-off game and the winner moves on to the semifinals.
“I can’t think of a bigger challenge than this one for our team, to play the Blues at Eden Park, we are going to have to be at our very best across the park,’’ Brown said.
‘‘They have been the form team all season and played some incredible rugby. The guys will all know they have to bring it on Saturday night because the Blues have turned up all season and anything less than 100% won’t be good enough.’’
“We know the mixed season we have had but in a play-off game you don’t have to be consistent for six months, just 80 minutes.”
Highlanders team to play the Blues: Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Bryn Evans, Josh Dickson, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Aaron Smith (captain), Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai, Scott Gregory, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Connor Garden-Bachop. Reserves: Leni Apisai, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Folau Fakatava, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Denny Solomona.
