Former All Blacks No.8 Mose Tuiali’i has been thrust straight into the action for the Highlanders as they seek to notch their first win of the Super Rugby season against the Blues in Auckland on Friday.

Tuiali’i, 32, signed this week by the franchise as a direct replacement for Nasi Manu, whose season was ended by a foot injury, will start against the Blues at Eden Park in a side that features two changes from the one beaten 34-33 by the Reds last Friday.

Elliot Dixon, who played No.8 against the Reds, drops to the bench to accommodate the nine-Test Tuiali’i who has been playing club rugby in Japan.

Former captain Jamie MacKintosh makes his first start of the season after prop Tony Woodcock was ruled out with a hamstring strain.

The Highlanders have lost all of their five games this season and prop up the bottom of the Super Rugby table.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Buxton Popoalii, Jason Emery, Ma’a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali’i, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Andrew Hore (capt), Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ma’afu Fia, TJ Ioane, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh.