Highlanders 'muscle up' for Canes cruncher
The match in Wellington is a rematch of last year's Final.
Both changes are in the forwards.
Tom Franklin will start at lock for Joe Wheeler, who drops out of the matchday 23 for this week.
Daniel Lienert-Brown, who was a late withdrawal from the team that beat the Crusaders before last week's bye, will start at loosehead prop.
Luke Whitelock had a standout game against the Crusaders and again keeps the in-form Liam Squire on the bench, while Mark Reddish is included in the matchday team for the first time since Round Seven.
Among those unavailable due to injury are Liam Coltman (foot) and Shane Christie (hamstring).
The game will be massive for both sides as they are separated by a single point on the table, both franchises will be desperate to head into the June break with a win.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Matt Faddes, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Luke Whitelock, 7 Dan Pryor, 6 Elliot Dixon, 5 Tom Franklin, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 Ash Dixon, 1 Daniel Lienert-Brown.
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Aki Seiuli, 18 Siosiua Halanukonuka, 19 Mark Reddish, 20 Liam Squire, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Teihorangi Walden.
Date: Friday, May 27
Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Jamie Nutbrown (New Zealand)
TMO: Aaron Peterson (New Zealand)
