-The Highlanders have climbed into the top eight after an unimpressive one-point win over the Western Force in Dunedin.
-Trailing 3-0 at halftime, the hosts scored the only try of the match through Folau Fakatava before hanging on for their third win over the season.
-Victory lifted the Highlanders intoa playoff position, leapfrogging Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders.
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Folau Fakatava and Rhys Patchell are among a number of changes to the starting side for the Highlanders as they prepare to host the Western Force in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Off the back of a 31-0 loss to the Reds, the Highlanders have brought Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Fakatava back into the starting XV, while Patchell makes his first start since round six which sees Cameron Millar move to the bench.
Former Crusader Mitch Dunshea makes his Highlanders debut at lock, Connor Garden-Bachop moves to the left wing in place of Jona Nareki, while Jake Te Hiwi starts at second five-eighths.
