-The Highlanders have climbed into the top eight after an unimpressive one-point win over the Western Force in Dunedin.
-Trailing 3-0 at halftime, the hosts scored the only try of the match through Folau Fakatava before hanging on for their third win over the season.
-Victory lifted the Highlanders into a playoff position, leapfrogging Moana Pasifika and the Crusaders.
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Folau Fakatava and Rhys Patchell are among a number of changes to the starting side for the Highlanders as they prepare to host the Western Force in Dunedin on Saturday night.