The Highlanders may have lost electric fullback Finn Hurley for the season, but they have been boosted by the return of the mercurial Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for their round nine clash with the Fijian Drua.
For the first time in 12 years, the Queensland Reds have beaten the Highlanders under the roof in Dunedin.
The Highlanders are sitting pretty in third place on the Super Rugby Pacific table after enjoying a bye week in round four.
On the bench, All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot will provide impact while TK Howden has the chance to make his Highlanders debut.
The Highlanders have switched up their back row combinations and named a forward-heavy bench as they prepare to take on the Blues in Dunedin.
Seven players will don Highlanders colours for the first time this weekend as the team gets their 2025 campaign underway in Sydney.
The Highlanders have opted to start kicking ace Cam Miller for their crunch quarter-final against the Brumbies in Canberra.
The Highlanders have promoted a number of young guns into the starting side to play the Hurricanes with a playoff spot assured.
For the Blues game, they've selected their strongest available 23 and again named All Balck Ethan de Groot as captain.