Hooker Andrew Hore returns in just one change to the Highlanders starting XV to play the Stormers in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Highlanders’ coach Jamie Joseph delayed the naming of his team until Friday morning.
All Black Jimmy Cowan, who is on the bench, will become just the second player, after Anton Oliver, to make 100 appearances for the franchise if he takes the field.
Hooker Jason Rutledge, who moves to the bench to accommodate Hore, will mark his 50th game for the Highlanders if he also gets a run.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear, Chris Noakes, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, Adam Thomson, James Haskell, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (c). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Ma’afu Fia, Culum Retallick, Doug Tietjens, Jimmy Cowan, Buxton Popoali’i, Phil Burleigh.