KEY POINTS:
Highlanders coach Greg Cooper will start Anton Oliver and Carl Hayman for the first time this Super 14 rugby season as he seeks more grunt for their match against the Cheetahs in Invercargill on Friday.
Oliver and Hayman missed the first seven rounds because they were in the All Blacks 22-man reconditioning squad for the World Cup.
Hooker Oliver returned to action last week against the Bulls off the bench but prop Hayman pulled out after picking up an injury in training.
Their return should bring much stability back to the Highlanders scrum.
The loose forwards have also been reshuffled with Craig Newby switching from blindside to No 8, captain Josh Blackie from No 7 to No 6 and Alando Soakai coming in as the openside flanker.
No 8 Ezra Taylor, who was sinbinned in last week's match drops out of the squad entirely.
In the backs, Callum Bruce comes off the bench to start in place of Aaron Bancroft who moves back into the reserves.
Team:
Glen Horton, Lucky Mulipola, Matthew Saunders, Callum Bruce, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Nick Evans, Jimmy Cowan, Craig Newby, Alando Soakai, Josh Blackie (captain), James Ryan, Kane Thompson, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Clarke Dermody. Reserves: Jason MacDonald, Chris King, Hoani MacDonald, Hale T-Pole, Toby Morland, Charlie Hore, Aaron Bancroft.
- NZPA
