Injuries have hampered the Highlanders' season to date but they've also allowed coach Tony Brown plenty of opportunities to expose less experienced players to the rigours of Super Rugby.
The Highlanders have revealed ex-England flyer Denny Solomona has been sidelined with a hamstring injury as they embark on their first offshore tour of the year.
The Highlanders have switched up their halves for this Sunday's clash with the Brumbies in Melbourne.
Ex-England wing Denny Solomona has been named to make his Highlanders debut from the bench against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
Former England wing Denny Solomona has been signed by the Highlanders and could make his Super Rugby Pacific debut as early as this week.
Here's how the Highlanders rated in their 32-25 Super Rugby Pacific defeat to the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
He's a teenager from a minnow rugby nation, but Fabian Holland has the total faith of Highlanders boss Tony Brown ahead of his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
With four days until the inaugural edition of Super Rugby Pacific kicks-off, here's a possible Highlanders side that could open the new campaign.
They may be about to suit up for the Crusaders against their former side, but Waisake Naholo and Freedom Vahaakolo could still yet return to the Highlanders this season.
Los Pumas star Pablo Matera will join ex-All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo in making his first appearance for the Crusaders against the Highlanders in Oamaru on Friday.