Highlanders head coach Tony Brown has named his team's side to face the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday, with All Blacks vice-captain Ben Smith and Liam Squire returning from injury for the match.
Smith, who will return as captain on Saturday night, was ruled out of his side's home win over the Rebels last Friday after tweaking his hamstring, while Squire will make his first appearance for the Dunedin-based franchise after injuring his knee against the Crusaders in round two of Super Rugby.
"It's good to welcome Ben and Liam back because as we all know the NZ derby matches are incredibly intense games," Brown said.
"You have to be at your very best to come away with the win. Being at home this time in front of our fans, on a dry track, will hopefully help us put on a big performance."
Three test flanker Elliot Dixon also returns to the starting XV at blindside flanker, after having come off the bench in last week's defeat of the Rebels.
