All Black halfback Aaron Smith and first five Colin Slade have been dropped to the Highlanders bench for Friday night's Super Rugby clash with the ACT Brumbies in Dunedin.
Smith and Slade have been unable to control the game for the Highlanders who have yet to score a win this season.
Fumiaki Tanaka and Hayden Parker replace them and make their first starts for the Highlanders.
In other changes from the side that lost to the Blues last weekend, prop Ma'afu Fia, loosie TJ Ioane, centre Phil Burleigh and wing Kade Poki all get starts.
Jarrad Hoeata moves from blindside to lock.
