The ACT Brumbies will be boosted by the return of Rob Valetini against the the NSW Waratahs, who have resisted parachuting Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in to face their bogey team.
Code-switcher Suaalii (toe) has completed one full training session since his round-one injury and coach Dan McKellar said it wouldn't be "fair to throw him in" on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
"He still needs more load in his training before being match-ready," the coach said.
"He'll continue to build over the next couple of weeks and should be available for selection against the Hurricanes (next Friday)."
Langi Gleeson will return to the starting side in the only change after the Waratahs' (3-1) 20-point loss to the Queensland Reds last weekend.
Valetini (hamstring) missed the first five rounds for the Brumbies (3-2) and will wear the No.8 while lock Cadeyrn Neville, flanker Luke Reimer and No.12 Ollie Sapsford will also return to the starting side.
"It's a huge boost to have Rob back in our side. He's a world-class back-rower who possesses so many qualities that help our team," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
"We're looking forward to taking on the Waratahs in their own backyard.
"They've made a strong start to the season, despite their slip-up against the Reds last weekend.
"Everyone at the club wants to play in these sorts of matches against our biggest rivals."
Meanwhile Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will captain his state for the first time, with regular Reds skipper Tate McDermott set to be rested against the Highlanders.
Flanker and vice-captain Fraser McReight and co-captain Liam Wright (shoulder) will also be missing for the Dunedin clash.
"I definitely feel more relaxed in this captaincy situation because of the Wallabies experiences I had last year," incumbent Test skipper Wilson said.
"I just want to really enjoy this with a squad that has the opportunity to go to New Zealand and get a win in a city where we haven't done so for 12 years."
The Reds (3-1) have lost on their last five trips to the roofed Forsyth Barr Stadium, but beat the Highlanders (2-2) 31-0 in Brisbane last season.
John Bryant will replace McReight in the No.7 while Kalani Thomas will play scrumhalf, McDermott's management a calculated decision with the Wallabies' mammoth program later this year in mind.
Test lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will return from a leg injury but Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler will miss the trip after limping off with an upper-leg issue in last week's defeat of the Waratahs.
The Western Force's (2-3) Wallabies quintet of Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and Nic White will all play against Fijian Drua on Sunday after being rested for last week's trip to Christchurch.
Handy back-row recruit Nick Champion de Crespigny (concussion) is also back while Ryan Coxon and Nic Dolly come into the starting front row.
