Super Rugby veteran Aaron Smith will not suit up for the Highlanders on Saturday night when they take on the high-flying Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Two big name players are set to return for the Highlanders on Saturday when they take on the Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Sunday afternoon rugby makes a rare appearance on the Highlanders calendar with a game against the Western Force in Invercargill.
Flyhalf Damian McKenzie sent another reminder of his ability to the All Blacks selectors as he guided the Chiefs to a 28-7 win over the Highlanders Friday and to a 3-0 start in Super Rugby Pacific.
The Highlanders tough start to the season has gone from bad to worse after losing to the Chiefs 28-7 at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Friday evening.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific season debut on Friday as the Highlanders look to get their campaign back on track against the Chiefs.
The Highlanders have started their season with a disastrous set of results. After losing to the Blues by 40 last week, the team from the south were beaten 52-15 by the Crusaders in Melbourne.
Following their disappointing start to the season against the Blues in Dunedin, the Highlanders have made nine changes to their starting XV to take on the Crusaders in round two.
2023 brings the arrival of a new Super Rugby Pacific season and a new captain for the Highlanders.