Aaron Smith is on the bench allowing Folau Fakatava his first start for the season. Fakatava had an outstanding Mitre 10 campaign for Hawkes Bay and impressed off the bench against the Crusaders in Round One.
On the bench Manaaki Selby-Rickit replaces Bryn Evans and Solomon Alaimalo rounds out the six forwards, two backs reserve bench.
Chiefs v Highlanders FMG Stadium, Hamilton, Fri 5 Mar 7.05pm
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Ash Dixon (cc)
3. Siate Tokolahi
4. Josh Dickson
5. Jack Regan
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Billy Harmon
8. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Josh Ioane
11. Jona Nareki
12. Patelesio Tomkinson
13. Ngatungane Punivai
14. Connor Garden-Bachop
15. Mitch Hunt
Reserves
16. Liam Coltman
17. Josh Hohneck
18. Jeff Thwaites
19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
20. Liam Squire
21. Aaron Smith (cc)
22. Solomon Alaimalo
23. Hugh Renton
Unavailable due to injury: Sam Gilbert (Knee), Ayden Johnstone (Concussion), Paripari Parkinson (Ankle)
Season ending injuries: Jermaine Ainsley (Ankle), Fetuli Paea (Ankle)