Injury has kept Brad Thorn out of the Highlanders opening Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in Dunedin tomorrow night.
The coach, Jamie Joseph, delayed naming the side to give the world cup winning lock, who returned from Japan earlier this month, a chance to prove his return to fitness from a calf injury.
Three players will make their first run-on start for the Highlanders; Tony Woodcock, Joe Wheeler and Ma'a Nonu will all pull on the Highlanders jersey for the first time.
Winger Hosea Gear will lead the Highlanders in the absence of the suspended Andrew Hore.
First five Colin Slade will play for the development side this week.
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Brayden Mitchell
3. Ma'afu Fia
4. Jarrad Hoeata (vc)
5. Josh Bekhuis
6. Joe Wheeler
7. John Hardie
8. Nasi Manu
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Hosea Gear (c)
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Phil Burleigh
14. Kade Poki
15. Ben Smith
Reserves
16. Liam Coltman
17. Bronson Murray
18. Elliot Dixon
19. Tim Boys
20. Fumiaki Tanaka
21. Hayden Parker
22. Buxton Popoalii
