Ioane has not started a match since round four. But with Marty Banks out with a broken bone in his foot, Ioane gets an opportunity to shine.
He was picked to start against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium but that game was cancelled following the mosque attacks.
He is clearly a player with potential and Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has been carefully nurturing his talent.
''There has been massive growth in Josh over last 18 months,'' Mauger said.
''I thought he played really well at the start of the year. He has been in a good duel there with Marty Banks, who provided a bit of experience over the last couple of weeks. But Joshy is ready to go.''
Ioane had ''led the team really well this week'' and everyone was looking forward to seeing him get a go.
''He has taken on all the learnings from his performances so far and he is in a good space.''
All Black loose forward Luke Whitelock picked up a calf strain in the final quarter of the heartbreaking loss to the Hurricanes. He is expected to return next week but will miss tomorrow's match.
Elliot Dixon will replace Whitelock in the run-on side, while centre Rob Thompson moves from the bench to the starting side.
He replaces Richard Buckman, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury which will require surgery. He has been replaced in the squad by Jordan Hyland, who played for the Blues last year.
The Highlanders have been hit hard by injury. All Blacks Aaron Smith (ankle), Waisake Naholo (knee) and Liam Squire (knee) are all out as well, although Smith is making good progress and could be back in as soon as a couple of weeks.
There are two changes in the engine room. Prop Daniel Lienert-Brown gets the nod ahead of Ayden Johnstone, while Pari Pari Parkinson will add some size to the Highlanders lineout. Josh Dickson drops to the bench.
''Daniel Lienert-Brown is hungry for some rugby and he is an experienced campaigner,
so we thought changing those guys over serves us best this week,'' Mauger said.
''And we bring Pari Pari Parkinson into the mix. His size and physicality against a very good Crusaders' pack is going to be critical to start the game with.''
The Crusaders have been impressive this season and have set the benchmark
again.
''They do everything that they do really well. They are at the top for a reason ... but they still have frailties like every other side.''