New-look front row for Highlanders

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph made five changes and one positional switch to his starting forward pack to take on the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman and Ma'afu Fia comprise the new-look front row – with Fia making his starting debut team this season.

Last week's front row –  hooker Ash Dixon, along with props Brendon Edmonds and Ross Geldenhuys – all drop down to the replacement bench.

Joe Wheeler combines with Mark Reddish in the second row, while Tom Franklin – who has started both games so far this season – will come off the bench.

Gareth Evans earns his first appearance in 2015 on the blindside flank, with Elliot Dixon shifting to the openside role.

In the backs Lima Sopoaga returns at flyhalf after a one week break and combines with Shaun Treeby in the inside backs.

Marty Banks, who made his debut last week, returns to the bench with Jason Emery.

Still unavailable are Pingi Tala'apitaga (knee injury), Shane Christie (knee injury), Richard Buckman (knee injury) and Kane Hames (suspended till March 28 for punching)

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith (co-captain), 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu (co-captain), 7 Elliot Dixon, 6 Gareth Evans, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Mark Reddish, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Josh Hohneck.

Replacements: 16 Ash Dixon, 17 Brendon Edmonds, 18 Ross Geldenhuys, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Dan Pryor, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Marty Banks, 23 Jason Emery.

Date: Friday, March 6

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Nick Briant (New Zealand), Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

TMO: Chris Wratt (New Zealand)