In the forwards, Josh Hohneck rotates with Siate Tokolahi and James Lentjes with Billy Harmon. Kazuki Himeno maintains his spot at number eight after an energetic performance against the Crusaders. The evergreen, Bryn Evans, will lock the scrum with Pari Pari Parkinson and Hugh Renton will again be the sixth forward on the reserves bench.
In the backs, Aaron Smith will co-captain the side and his back up at halfback will be Kayne Hammington who replaces the unlucky Folau Fakatava. Scott Gregory who had a solid performance on the wing last week will move to the midfield to replace the injured Thomas Umaga-Jensen and he will be partnered by Patelesio Tomkinson at centre.
Ngatugnane Punivai is over his hamstring issue and takes his place on the right wing and Josh Ioane returns to the reserves.
Highlanders v Chiefs - 7.05pm, Saturday 10th April, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
1. Ethan De Groot
2. Ash Dixon (cc)
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Bryn Evans
5. Paripari Parkinson
6. Shannon Frizell
7. James Lentjes
8. Kazuki Himeno
9. Aaron Smith (cc)
10. Mitch Hunt
11 Jona Nareki
12. Scott Gregory
13. Patelesio Tomkinson
14. Ngatungane Punivai
15. Connor Garden-Bachop
Reserves:
16. Liam Coltman
17. Ayden Johnstone
18. Siate Tokolahi
19. Josh Dickson
20. Billy Harmon
21. Kayne Hammington
22. Josh Ioane
23. Hugh Renton
Unavailable due to injury: Daniel Lienert-Brown (Arm)
Season ending injuries: Jermaine Ainsley (ankle), Fetuli Paea (ankle), Freedom Vaahakalo (foot), Folau Fakatava (knee), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (wrist)