Loosehead prop Jamie MacKintosh will make first start for the season for the Highlanders against the Blues at Eden Park tomorrow night as he replaces Tony Woodcock who has suffered a hamstring strain.
Mackintosh is one of two changes to Jamie Joseph's starting XV from the side that lost to the Reds in Dunedin last week.
Former All Black Mose Tuiali'i, who has joined the winless Highlanders from Japan as injury cover for Nasi Manu, will also start tomorrow night at No 8 with Elliot Dixon returning to the reserves.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Buxton Buxton Popoali'i, Jason Emery, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Colin Slade; Aaron Smith, Mose Tuiali'i, John Hardie, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn, Chris King, Andrew Hore (captain), Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ma'afu Fia, TJ Ioane, Elliot Dixon, Fumiaki Tanaka, Lima Sopoaga, Phil Burleigh.
