
Manaaki Selby-Rickit will make his starting debut for the Highlanders as he swaps places with Jack Whetton in the locking position while Dillon Hunt gets the start on the openside flank in front of the injured James Lentjes.
Shannon Frizell returns to the team on the blindside flank after having a rest last weekend.
The only change in the backs is the debut for centre Ngane Punivai who has missed the opening rounds of the season because of a knee injury.
It will be first five-eighth Mitch Hunt's 50th game of Super Rugby although he has played the bulk of his career with the Crusaders. Josh Ioane continues at second five-eighth with Tei Walden still in the reserves.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said the side had arrived in South Africa in good condition and recovered from the long flight.
It had a couple of intensive trainings and was now looking forward to doing the business against the Bulls.
Mauger said Punivai had to be rewarded for all the hard work he had put in over the past few months and was itching to get out there and perform.
"He is a big, physical guy who is looking to show what he can do. That is why we contracted him — to get out there, make a statement and get the guys excited," Mauger said.
Centre Rob Thompson (groin) and locks Josh Dickson (shoulder) and Pari Pari Parkinson (ankle) all had niggly injuries and would not have been available for the two games on tour so it was decided to bring over some young guys who were itching to get involved, Mauger said.
Selby-Rickit had had a swift promotion but is a good lineout forward and was worth the investment in selection.
The Highlanders lineout was off kilter last week against the Rebels so needed some tall timber for a more reliable source of ball.
Aaron Smith will captain the team, taking over from James Lentjes. Co-captain Ash Dixon is in the reserves.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have dropped former Springbok first five-eighth Morne Steyn to the bench. The-big kicking pivot is replaced by Embrose Papier as the side looks to change its game around.
Former North Harbour outside back Nafi Tuitavake starts at centre for the Bulls.
The Bulls have lost a raft of players to overseas clubs in the past couple of years and are in a rebuilding phase.
The Highlanders are in the same boat so both teams will want to gain some confidence and put combinations together.
The Highlanders have one win and are 13th on the table while the winless Bulls and are propping up the table.
Highlanders v Bulls
Pretoria, Sunday, 4.15am
Highlanders: Michael Collins, Josh McKay, Ngane Punivai, Josh Ioane, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (c), Marino Mikaele Tu'u, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jesse Parete, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jeff Thwaites, Jack Whetton, Teariki Ben-Nicholas, Kayne Hammington, Tei Walden, Tima Fainga'anuku.
Bulls: Warrick Gelant, Cornal Hendricks, Nafi Tuitavake, Johnny Kotze, Rosko Specman, Manie Libbok, Embrose Papier, Muller Uys, Josh Strauss, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Ian Groenewald, Trevor Nyakane (c), Jaco Visagie, Lizo Gqoboka. Reserves: Corniel Els, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wiehahn Herbst, Ryno Pieterse, Ruan Steenkamp, Ivan van Zyl, Morné Steyn, Divan Rossouw.