The winless Highlanders have handed former Crusaders hooker Andrew Makalio a start against his old side on Friday night

Makalio will make his run-on debut for the southerners, while Josh Hohneck also comes into the run-on side at tighthead prop.

Among other changes, Connor Garden-Bachop returns at fullback moving Sam Gilbert, who scored a double against the Blues, to the wing.

Former England wing Denny Solomona is on the Highlanders bench and poised for a debut.

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