The Kings, yet to win this season and unlikely to in the near future, will be at least spared the sight of charging All Blacks wing Julian Savea at Westpac Stadium on Friday.
Coach Chris Boyd has decided to rest the 106kg wing, one of three changes to the starting XV which thrashed the Force 41-6 in Palmerston North last weekend.
Jason Woodward replaces Savea, with centre Willis Halaholo coming on for Vince Aso - who is on the reserves bench - and Michael Fatialofa starting at lock. Fatialofa comes in for Blade Thomson, who shifts to No8 in place of Victor Vito who has a calf strain.
"All three of those guys who have come in will be looking put their hand up and this gives them an opportunity to do that," Boyd said. "We are very lucky with the depth we have in a number of positions and particularly in the outside backs.
"This is an important match for us. We've got some good momentum from our last two matches and we want to carry that on into the bye week with a good performance in front of our home fans."
