All Blacks backs Ben Smith and Aaron Smith turn out for the injury-hit Highlanders in their final pre-season game against the Waratahs in Newcastle.
Ben Smith will captain the side from fullback on Friday in the absence of co-captain Nasi Manu, who injured a pectoral muscle in a training accident two weeks ago.
Halfback Aaron Smith brings much-needed quality to a side hit by a series of niggling injuries.
It is unclear if No.8 Manu will be fit for their opening competition game against the Blues in Dunedin on February 22 while fellow loose forwards TJ Ioane (shoulder) and Elliot Dixon (hamstring) will miss the Waratahs game. Also missing is hooker Liam Coltman (rib).
Alleviating the loose forward headache is a return to fitness of Tasman captain and flanker Shane Christie, who will play his first game for the Highlanders after moving from the Crusaders.
HIGHLANDERS: Ben Smith (captain), Patrick Osborne, Malakai Fekitoa, Shaun Treeby, Kurt Baker, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Shane Christie, John Hardie, Gareth Evans, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Ged Robinson, Kane Hames. Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Matias Diaz, Craig Millar, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Lee Allan, Frae Wilson, Hayden Parker, Phil Burleigh, Winston Stanley, Richard Buckman.