Impressive rookie winger, Sam Gilbert, who sustained a season ending knee injury has been replaced by Ngatungane Punivai on the right wing and the experienced Michael Collins will play at fullback.
“Michael is a great communicator, reads a game well and will organise the back three” said Highlanders assistant coach, Tony Brown.
In the forwards a strong Crusaders scrum will be met by a new starting front row of Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman and Jeff Thwaites.
“We are fortunate to have some depth in our front row so we have the ability to make changes, this is a tough competition and as always the Crusaders will present a real challenge on Saturday night,” said forwards coach, Clarke Dermody.
Elsewhere, lock Jack Whetton will get an opportunity off the bench and the mercurial Vilimoni Koroi will cover the back three.
The team will be co-captained by Aaron Smith and Ash Dixon.
Highlanders v Crusaders – 7.05pm Saturday 4 July, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Liam Coltman
3. Jeff Thwaites
4. Paripari Parkinson
5. Josh Dickson
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Dillon Hunt
8. Marino Mikaele Tu’u
9. Aaron Smith (CC)
10. Mitch Hunt
11. Jona Nareki
12. Patelesio Tomkinson
13. Rob Thompson
14. Ngatungane Punivai
15. Michael Collins
Reserves
16. Ash Dixon(CC)
17. Ayden Johnstone
18. Siate Tokolahi
19. Jack Whetton
20. Teariki Ben-Nicholas
21. Kayne Hammington
22. Bryn Gatland
23. Vilimoni Koroi
Unavailable due to injury: Nathan Vella (concussion), Nehe Milner-Skudder (shoulder), Josh Ioane (quad)
Season ending injuries: Sione Misiloi (foot), Thomas Umaga-Jensen (shoulder), James Lentjes (ankle),
Tevita Nabura (back), Conor Garden-Bachop (back), Sam Gilbert (knee)
