Sopoaga wins the coveted first five-eighth role ahead of Southland's Robbie Robinson, and will be asked to steer the side round the paddock.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said selecting the No 10 was a difficult decision.
"We just think in the two games we've watched we slightly leaned towards Lima. It is a big call for him but we've got confidence in him to do the job," Joseph said.
"He's got to start at some stage."
Sopoaga will at least be on familiar turf in Wellington, his home province.
He will be the seventh first five-eighth used by the Highlanders since the start of the 2008 season, out of a total of 15 used by the franchise - almost one a year - since the competition started.
Joseph has also picked David Te Moana at tighthead prop, Jarrad Hoeata to share the locking duties with Josh Bekhuis and Alando Soakai on the openside flank.
Shaun Treeby will be paired up with Kendrick Lynn in the midfield while Kade Poki, who only came into the squad as an injury replacement for Kurt Baker, will start on the left wing.
Joseph said it was a tough team to pick and there were some unlucky players.
"Obviously, you can't field everyone but [halfback] Aaron Smith, in terms of what he has done in games and in training, would have to be unlucky.
"I have been impressed with what David [Te Moana] has done in the three games and sure, last week the scrum was not flash, but everyone has bad days at the office.
"I think he has learnt lots from that performance. There is a real competition in the squads for props and there are five in our squad and they are all going to get some time."
Treeby would fit well with Lynn in midfield, and Joseph said the experience of the Southlander would help Treeby out.
"In the games we've had so far they have probably looked our best combination out there. Kenny's got a bit of experience and that should help Shaun."
Smith, hooker Brayden Mitchell and outside back Siale Piutau will make their Highlanders debuts off the bench if they get on the paddock.
The Highlanders will face a powerful Hurricanes side, with nine past or present All Blacks in the line-up.
"They are a quality side obviously. They are just going to keep coming and coming, like the southwester."
The Hurricanes backline looks particularly potent with big wingers Hosea Gear and Julian Savea, outside All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has left out former All Black forwards Neemia Tialata and Rodney So'oialo from his starting side and picked the relatively inexperienced Mark Reddish on the blindside flank and Taranaki's Michael Bent at tighthead prop.
Waikato's Jack Lam would start on the openside flank for the Hurricanes.
The referee for tomorrow night's game has changed, with Australian Stuart Dickinson replacing Bryce Lawrence from Bay of Plenty, who is injured.
