Blockbusting All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu will make a welcome return from injury for the winless Highlanders when they face Super Rugby defending champions the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

Nonu replaces Phil Burleigh in the centres in one of three changes for the Highlanders, who will be led by dual international Brad Thorn in the injury-enforced absence of All Blacks hooker Andrew Hore.

With both Hore and his deputy Brayden Mitchell sidelined, Otago hooker Liam Coltman will make his Super Rugby run-on debut against the Chiefs, who are back home after their South African trip and flying high with 17 points from three wins and a loss.

Josh Bekhuis returns at lock with Joe Wheeler dropping to the reserves.

The Highlanders were drubbed 41-27 by the Chiefs when they met in Dunedin in round one.

Coltman, who will oppose former All Black Hika Elliot, had no illusions about the task he and his teammates faced.

“The Chiefs are big and very physical up front,” he said. “They’re the defending champions and they’ve made a really good start to the season.

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Jason Emery, Ma’a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn (capt), Chris King, Liam Coltman, Tony Woodcock. Res: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Joe Wheeler, Tim Boys, Frae Wilson, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh.