The season proper has not even started but injuries are already making an impact on Super 14 sides.
Both the Blues and the Highlanders are unable to name first-choice locks and wingers for their pre-season game at North Harbour stadium tomorrow afternoon.
The Blues have been forced to leave out former All Black winger Rudi Wulf, who has broken his wrist, while All Black lock Ali Williams has a bad back and will be out for a minimum of two weeks.
On the Highlanders side, winger Fetu'u Vainikolo will not start because of a damaged hamstring, while experienced lock Tom Donnelly has had an operation to fix ruptured ligaments in his thumb and is out until next month.
Despite the injuries, both sides appear to have put more weight on this game than their two previous encounters, with the best available sides named.
The Highlanders have opted to bring in Kenny Lynn to replace Vainikolo, while Ben Smith starts on the other wing.
Winger Lucky Mulipola is also struggling with various niggles, while lock Ross Kennedy is bothered by a calf injury.
Smith and Lynn, though quick, are on the light side and will have their hands full marking All Blacks Joe Rokocoko and Anthony Tuitavake.
Johnny Leota will team with vice-captain Jason Shoemark in the Highlanders midfield, while Daniel Bowden wins the battle with Mathew Berquist to wear the No 10 jersey.
Bowden attacked the line well last week in the loss to the Crusaders, although Berquist would appear to be the better goal kicker.
All Black loose forward Adam Thomson will get his first start on the blindside flank, and needs the run, while the first-choice front row of Clint Newland, David Hall and Jamie Mackintosh will face an All Black front three of John Afoa, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock.
Mealamu will captain the Blues this season, while Jerome Kaino and Anthony Boric will also bring more steel to the Blues pack.
Former Highlanders captain Josh Blackie, who has signed for the Blues, is still seeing out his contract in Japan.
The Blues lost to the Chiefs in a pre-season match 21-17 last month, but defeated the Reds 26-24 last week.
The Highlanders have lost both their pre-season matches, to the Chiefs, 36-19, and the Crusaders, 40-17.
The match will be played as two 40min halves, and kicks off at 2pm.
Highlanders v Blues
Auckland, tomorrow 2pm
Highlanders: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jason Shoemark, Johnny Leota, Kenny Lynn, Daniel Bowden, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Clint Newland, David Hall, Jamie Mackintosh.
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Anthony Perenise, George Naoupu, Tim Boys, Sean Romans, Mathew Berquist, Jayden Hayward, Brett Mather, Chris King.
Blues: Paul Williams, Anthony Tuitavake, Isaia Toeava, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Tasesa Lavea, Taniela Moa, Chris Lowery, Justin Collins, Jerome Kaino, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau, Charlie Faumuina, Jay Williams, Dean Budd, Onosai'i Auva'a, Chris Smylie, Grayson Hart, Jimmy Gopperth, Michael Hobbs, Jamie Helleur, Rene Ranger.