The Highlanders may have lost electric fullback Finn Hurley for the season, but they have been boosted by the return of the mercurial Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for their round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.
Three changes have been made to help the Highlanders' chances against the Western Force in a battle of two teams with just three points separating them on the ladder.
Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield for Friday’s tough test against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra’s GIO Stadium.
The Highlanders are sitting pretty in third place on the Super Rugby Pacific table after enjoying a bye week in round four.
The Highlanders have switched up their back row combinations and named a forward-heavy bench as they prepare to take on the Blues in Dunedin.
In a wild week of results some big names stood out in round eight of the Bunnings NPC.
For the Blues game, they've selected their strongest available 23 and again named All Balck Ethan de Groot as captain.
The Highlanders have named a young back row to take the Crusaders as they look to end a multi-year losing streak against New Zealand teams.
The Highlanders head to Brisbane in what might just be a critical contest against the Reds as they look to keep up in the race for the playoffs.