Co-captain Ash Dixon will miss the game with a back injury and will be replaced by Liam Coltman, while in the backs powerful Fijian winger Tevita Nabura earns a spot on the left wing.

The other three changes come in the reserves, with loose forwards Shannon Frizell and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u and halfback Josh Renton set to make their Highlanders debuts from the bench.

Mauger is expecting a tough game from the Stormers, who are coming off a 45-28 loss to the Crusaders last week.

“The Stormers are a big side so we expect a physical encounter,” he said.

“They are also a dangerous team with ball in hand in open spaces, so we are well aware of those threats and have prepared to meet those challenges.”

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HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Ben Smith (c), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Tevita Nabura, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Liam Squire, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown

Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Shannon Frizell, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith, Matt Faddes

STORMERS (15-1): SP Marais, Dillyn Leyds, EW Viljoen, Damian de Allende, Raymond Rhule, Damian Willemse, Dewaldt Duvenage, Nizaam Carr, Kobus van Dyk, Siya Kolisi (c), Chris van Zyl, Jan de Klerk, Wilco Louw, Ramone Samuels, Steven Kitshoff

Reserves: Dean Muir, JC Janse van Rensburg, Carlu Sadie, Salmaan Moerat, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Justin Phillips, JJ Engelbrecht, George Whitehead

Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium

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