One-time Highlander Mike Delany returns to his old franchise this week as part of a five-eighths rescue package for Saturday's clash with the unbeaten Stormers.
Serious injuries to Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga have removed them from the Super 15 and the side needed some back-up for Chris Noakes.
Delany, 29, has been playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, but has been released to help out his former team.
Delany played for the Highlanders as a draft pick in 2008 and the following year was promoted to the All Blacks for his solitary test against Italy.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph acknowledged Delany was "the guy we're after". "We've been talking to him and he's keen to join us.
"There's just a few wee contractual things to sort out. Hopefully we can sort it out soon."
The Highlanders regained All Black lock Jarrad Hoeata at the weekend after his chest injury and he should bring more sting to the pack for what will be a serious test from the Stormers pack.
They outlasted the Bulls 20-17 in a torrid contest at Cape Town to maintain their unbeaten run but now have to make the long journey to Dunedin for the start of their offshore itinerary.
All Black five-eighths Dan Carter also got in another hour's work as he continued his comeback for the Crusaders against the Lions in Johannesburg. Carter did not figure in stacks of play and left the goalkicking to Tom Taylor but he will be far better primed for this weekend's outing against the Bulls. His class was still there though with one dummy twitch sending the defence the wrong way before he passed inside to the trailing Zac Guildford for a try. It was a classic decision unlike the one which had the Crusaders and Lions clad in jerseys which were so similar it was off-putting for spectators and players. Someone deserves a white card for that off-field malarkey.
Meanwhile the Australian conference looks the most shaky with four of their sides beaten and victory for the Force only lifting them off the bottom of the table. They hosted the Super 15 champions, the Reds, and destroyed them 45-19. The Reds remain in second equal place in the Australian conference but with three five eighths - Quade Cooper, Mike Harris and Ben Lucas - all injured, they are struggling to find someone to run their backline with Will Genia. Defeat was the first three-match losing sequence the Reds have suffered since 2009. They lost 22-27 to the Sharks two weeks ago and were then belted 61-8 by the Bulls last weekend before their latest woes. in Perth. APN News & Media