In the backline, right wing Waisake Naholo returns to the side, with Jordan Hyland shifting to left wing and Sio Tomkinson moving to inside centre at the expense of Teihorangi Walden. 

Up front, Mauger has made changes to his back, second and front rows. In a loose trio shake-up, Elliot Dixon takes over from Shannon Frizell and James Lentjes replaces Dillon Hunt at flank.

Pari Pari Parkinson starts at No 4 alongside Tom Franklin, and Daniel Lienert-Brown gets the nod at loosehead prop ahead of Ayden Johnstone.

Highlanders – 15 Matt Faddes, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Rob Thompson, 12 Patelesio Tomkinson, 11 Jordan Hyland, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Luke Whitelock (c), 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Pari Pari Parkinson, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Subs: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Ayden Johnstone, 18 Siate Tokolahi, 19 Josh Dickson, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Kayne Hammington, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Thomas Umaga-Jensen.

Super Rugby teams (Round 15)

Photo: Joe Allison/PhotoSportNZ