The Highlanders co-captain Ben Smith will miss a second week of Super Rugby because of concussion.
Ben Smith gets medical attention during the Highlanders match against the Chiefs. Photo: Photosport
Smith, who took a knock to his head in the opening round, has failed to make the match day 23 for the Highlanders game against the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown has made two injury enforced changes to his pack from the side that lost to the Crusaders last weekend.
Loosies Liam Squire and James Lentjes are out, so captain Elliot Dixon moves to seven, while Luke Whitelock returns from injury to start at eight and Gareth Evans starts at six.
Utility back Marty Banks returns from injury to take a place on the bench.
Brown, has named a forward-heavy bench with six in the reserves including Aki Seiuli at prop and locks, Jackson Hemopo and Joe Wheeler.
Dillon Hunt will cover the loose forwards and make his Super Rugby debut should he take the field. Kayne Hammington and Marty Banks will provide the back cover from the bench.
A dejected Siate Tokolahi looks on following the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Crusaders. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Squire and Lentjes join a growing list of injuries that includes Shane Christie, Ash Dixon, Dan Pryor, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Ben Smith, Adrian Smith and Josh Dickson, while Jason Emery and Hayden Parker are out for the season.
The match will mark 50 games for the Highlanders for Joe Wheeler. Wheeler made his debut in 2013.
Highlanders v Blues - 7.35pm, Saturday 11th March, Eden Park, Auckland
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Liam Coltman
3. Siosuia Halanukonuka
4. Alex Ainley
5. Tom Franklin
6. Gareth Evans
7. Elliot Dixon ( C )
8. Luke Whitelock
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Tevita Li
12. Rob Thompson
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Richard Buckman
Reserves
16. Sekonia Pole
17. Aki Seiuli
18. Siate Tokolahi
19. Joe Wheeler
20. Jackson Hemopo
21. Dillon Hunt
22. Kayne Hammington
23. Marty Banks
