The Western Force have received a major boost with lock Sitaleki Timani returning for their clash with the Highlanders.
Timani missed the opening round match with the Chiefs as the Force went down 20-19 after Domingo Miotti missed a conversion on the sidelines.
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His inclusion forces a reshuffle in the forward pack, with Timani partnering Jeremy Thrush in the locks as Fergus Lee-Warner moves to flanker.
This pushes Tim Anstee to number eight and Brynard Stander to the bench.
"Like all New Zealand teams, the Highlanders are threatening when you give them a lot of time and space. If you turn over the ball cheaply, they'll take advantage," coach Tim Sampson said.
"They play a direct game. They rely a lot on their number nine Aaron Smith to create opportunities for them. They're a disciplined team and they take their opportunities.
"Momentum is important. When we do gain ascendency, we get that nice bit of momentum to put the foot down."
Meanwhile, the Highlanders welcome a pair of big inclusions as Shannon Frizell and Josh Ioane return for their trip to WA.
Frizell was not selected for the game against the Reds following the revelation of an incident at a Dunedin bar a fortnight ago.
He comes into the starting line-up with exciting rookie Kazuki Himeno returning to the bench.
Ioane has overcome a lingering ankle sprain and will return via the bench, with Sam Gilbert retaining the fullback jersey.
Along with this, Bryn Evans starts at lock, rotating with Josh Dickson following his stint on the bench.
FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Fergus Lee-Warner, Kane Koteka, Tim Anstee, Tomas Cubelli, Jake McIntyre, Jordan Olowofela, Henry Taefu, Kyle Godwin (c), Richard Kahui, Rob Kearney
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Angus Warner, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Domingo Miotti, Jake Strachan
INs: Sitaelki Timani
OUTs: Ollie Callan
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ayden Johnstone, Ash Dixon (co-c), Siate Tokolahi, Pari Pari Parkinson, Bryn Evans, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon, Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith (co-c), Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki, Scott Gregory, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Sam Gilbert
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Ethan De Groot, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, Kazuki Himeno, Josh Ioane, Ngatugnane Punivai
INs: Josh Ioane, Shannon Frizell
OUTs: James Lentjes, Tim O'Malley
