Highlanders captain Andrew Hore has been benched but it is too soon to start writing his obituary.
Hore has made way for Liam Coltman in the side to play the Hurricanes in Wellington tonight.
Otago hooker Coltman (23) has displayed plenty of energy this season, mainly off the bench, but he deserves his chance to go from the kick-off.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said Coltman had had a good season, and younger players needed to be developed for next season. Hore was likely to get some time off the bench.
TJ Ioane gets the start on the blindside flank, coming into the side for the suspended Jarrad Hoeata.
Ioane impressed when he came on against the Crusaders last week and Joseph said he deserved his chance.
It was a close call between Ioane, Joe Wheeler and Jake Paringatai, with the other two named on the bench.
All Black halfback Aaron Smith is named to start the game with Fumiaki Tanaka moved to the reserves.
Shaun Treeby and Tamati Ellison have swapped jersey numbers in the Highlanders midfield and Joseph said that would be a chance to mix it up.
There is no room for sentiment in Joseph's selection, with Jamie Mackintosh once again not making the 22. Mackintosh announced this week he was moving to the Chiefs next season.
Joseph said earlier this week it would be a nice thought to start Mackintosh but he had to pick the team to win the game.
Bronson Murray is named at reserve prop, as he has the ability to play both sides of the scrum. Mackintosh flirted with playing on both sides a few years ago but has concentrated on loosehead prop in the past couple of seasons.
Meanwhile, Joseph expects star All Black Ma'a Nonu to spend his time off the paddock contemplating his future.
Nonu was suspended for three weeks after being issued a red card last week and was unavailable to be interviewed at the Highlanders' media session.
''He has got a lot of thinking to do. He had a very good All Black campaign over the past few weeks.
''Unfortunately, he got the red card last week and has to take some time out of the game. I think he will be doing all the thinking then.''
Joseph did not rule out wanting to sign the 79-test All Black again for the Highlanders next year.
''Ma'a is a quality player, isn't he? Anybody who has the opportunity to take him on board, would.''