The Highlanders have named a blockbusting back three for their Super Rugby opener against the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.
Ben Smith is at fullback with his All Blacks team-mate Waisake Naholo on the right wing and flying Fijian Patrick Osborne on the left.
All Blacks Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga are at halfback and first-five.
Jamie Joseph has named an experienced line-up for the opening match of the competition, with the coach able to call on all but two of his squad with only Mark Reddish and Marty Banks unavailable due to injuries sustained in the preseason.
The forwards feature former Chiefs player, Liam Squire, at number eight in his debut match for the Highlanders.
Shane Christie will co-captain the team from the openside and young loosehead prop Daniel Lienert-Brown earns a start after some impressive preseason form.
Alex Ainley and Dan Pryor return from their off season injuries to take their places on the bench.
The game will be a big occasion for two young Otago backs Teihorangi Walden at second-five and outside back Matt Faddes with both set to make their Super Rugby debuts.
Walden a former NZU20 representative will start the match, while Faddes a NZ Sevens player is in the reserves.
Highlanders team:
1. Daniel Lienert-Brown
2. Liam Coltman
3. Josh Hohneck
4. Tom Franklin
5. Joe Wheeler
6. Elliot Dixon
7. Shane Christie ( cc)
8. Liam Squire
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Patrick Osborne
12. Teihorangi Walden
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Waisake Naholo
15. Ben Smith ( cc )
Reserves
16. Ash Dixon
17. Brendon Edmonds
18. Ross Geldenhuys
19. Alex Ainley
20. Dan Pryor
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Hayden Parker
23. Matt Faddes
-RNZ