Hooker Andrew Hore has returned from a rib injury to be named in the No 2 jersey for the Highlanders to meet the Reds in Dunedin on Friday night.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made three changes to the starting team that lost to the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekfor this Friday's game.
In the forwards, Hore, the franchise's captain, makes his return after suffering his rib ailment against the Hurricanes in round five.
Tony Woodcock also returns to the starting XV after recovering from a hamstring complaint, while Liam Coltman and Ma'afu Fia both move to the reserves.
In the backs, Kade Poki has been ruled out with a rib injury, so Buxton Popoalii moves into the starting side.
On the reserves bench, Coltman and Fia are joined by TJ Ioane and Fumiaki Tanaka - who both come back into the 22.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Buxton Popoalii, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith; Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Andrew Hore (captain), Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, TJ Ioane, Tim Boys, Fumiaki Tanaka, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh
