One half starting was apparently enough for Jimmy Cowan, with the All Black back on the bench for the Highlanders' clash against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.
Aaron Smith, 23, will instead be in the starting role at halfback, as the Highlanders seek to continue their unbeaten start to the Super Rugby season.
Smith started the Highlanders' first three games but was demoted in the southerners' win over the Hurricanes last weekend. Cowan produced a patchy performance and was replaced by Smith at halftime.
Highlanders' coach Jamie Joseph has again opted for Smith as his side play outside of New Zealand for the first time this season in their quest to make it a perfect five wins to open the campaign.
In addition to the swap in the No 9 jersey, Joseph has made five other changes to last weekend's starting XV.