The return of loose forward Adam Thomson is one of four changes to the Highlanders starting lineup for this weekend's Super rugby match against the South African side the Lions in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Thomson suffered a rib injury in the loss to the Chiefs earlier this month and missed the side's last match against the Hurricanes before last round's bye.
Saturday's match will be Thomson's 50th for the Highlanders.
Jarrad Hoeata returns to lock replacing Tom Donnelly who has a back injury, while Siale Piutau starts on the left wing, in place of Telusa Veainu who drops out of the 22 while also back from injury is Shaun Treeby, which means Matt Saunders moves to the reserves.
