Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph named three newcomers in his starting XV to play the Chiefs on Saturday.
The players who will pull on the Highlanders jersey for the first time and veteran All Black Brad Thorn, Joe Wheeler and Frae Wilson.
Thorn returns to Super Rugby after a season in Japan, while Wheeler made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2011 before joining the Southern franchise this season.
Wilson, who played for the New Zealand Maori on their tour to the United Kingdom late last year, also runs out for the first time in the Highlanders strip.
As is usual with pre-season games, the majority of the Highlanders squad will travel to Taupo for the match.
There are a number of new faces among the reserves.
In the forwards Hugh Blake will travel with the team; additionally Paul Grant, Tom Franklin and Sam Prattley are all players who have been called into the squad as injury cover.
In the backs the new players are the Otago trio of Tony Ensor, Hayden Parker and Fumiaki Tanaka, and they are joined by Trent Renata and Jason Emery.
All Black Manu Nonu will only join the Highlanders next Monday, while fellow All Black and Blues recruit Tony Woodcock is being rested.
Trent Renata has been brought into the squad as injury cover for Declan O'Donnell (shoulder injury)
Other players missing out through injury include Jake Paringatai (hand - five weeks to return), John Hardie (foot recovery 2012 - one week), Colin Slade (leg recovery 2012 - three to four weeks), Nasi Manu (hamstring - two to three weeks), Tamati Ellison (shoulder - six months) and Chris King (shoulder - two weeks).
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Buxton Popoalii, 13 Phil Burleigh, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Hosea Gear (captain), 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Frae Wilson, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 Tim Boys, 6 Jarrad Hoeata, 5 Joe Wheeler, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Ma'afu Fia, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Jamie Mackintosh.
Replacements - from: Jason Emery, Tony Ensor, Kade Poki, Hayden Parker, Trent Renata, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Josh Bekhuis, Hugh Blake, Tom Franklin, Paul Grant, Brayden Mitchell, Bronson Murray & Sam Prattley.
Date: Saturday, February 2
Venue: Owen Delany Park, Taupo
Kick-off: 15.00 (02.00 GMT)
Referee: Nick Briant
Assistant referees: Shane McDermott, Local
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
