One-time Highlander Mike Delany returns to his old franchise this week as part of a five-eighths rescue package for Saturday's clash with the unbeaten Stormers.
Serious injuries to Colin Slade and Lima Sopoaga have removed them from the Super 15 and the side needed some back-up for Chris Noakes.
Delany, 29, has been playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, but has been released to help out his former team.
Delany played for the Highlanders as a draft pick in 2008 and the following year was promoted to the All Blacks for his solitary test against Italy.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph acknowledged Delany was "the guy we're after". "We've been talking to him and he's keen to join us.