Despite suffering a head knock last week against the Crusaders, the Highlanders tighthead prop Josh Hohneck starts on Saturday in an eye-brow raising Super Rugby selection.
Josh Hohneck in action against the Crusaders, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Hohneck appeared to have been knocked unconscious by the clash of heads and was escorted from the field for testing.
He soon rejoined the game after passing the tests, and has since not shown any concussion symptoms according to his coach Jamie Joseph.
The entire front row changes except for Hohneck against the Blues in Dunedin, with loosehead prop Kane Hames back from a five-week suspension and Liam Coltman named at hooker.
Mark Reddish also starts at lock as the Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph freshens up his forward pack.
Brendon Edmonds, Ash Dixon and Tom Franklin move onto the bench.
The only other starting change comes in the midfield where Jason Emery is named at second-five ahead of Shaun Treeby, who takes a break.
The versatile back Richard Buckman is included in the match-day 23 for the first time after being injured pre-season.
Highlanders:
1. Kane Hames
2. Liam Coltman
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Mark Reddish
5. Joe Wheeler
6. Elliot Dixon
7. James Lentjes
8. Nasi Manu ( c )
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Jason Emery
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith ( c )
Reserves:
16. Ash Dixon
17. Brendon Edmonds
18. Pingi Tala'apitaga
19. Tom Franklin
20. Dan Pryor
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Marty Banks
23. Richard Buckman
Unavailable: Shane Christie (hamstring), Ross Geldenhuys (Thumb), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Knee), John Hardie (ankle), Hayden Parker (Shoulder), Alex Ainley (Jaw)
