All Black utility Richard Kahui will make his return from the bench when Waikato takes on North Harbour in Albany on Saturday.
Kahui suffered a shoulder injury in New Zealand's opening Tri Nations victory at Eden Park in July and will be keen prove his worth as Sonny Bill Williams makes his Canterbury debut this week, also from the reserves.
The pair, along with a host of other contenders, are vying for a mid-field spot in the All Black's end of year tour squad.
Waikato coach Chris Gibbes was thrilled to have Kahui's game-breaking abilities at his use.
"It's great having Richard back in the side and great to see him in the Waikato colours. He's excited by his opportunity this week to get back on the park." Gibbes said.
In another change to the Waikato backline, vice-captain Brendon Leonard returns to the No.9 jersey. Leonard was relegated to the bench in last week's 39-3 win over Counties Manukau with Tawera Kerr-Barlow starting.
The Waikato team is:
1. Toby Smith, 2. Aled de Malmanche, 3. Nathan White (captain), 4. Toby Lynn, 5.Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 6. Liam Messam, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Steven Setephano, 9. Brendon Leonard, 10. Trent Renata, 11. Dwayne Sweeney, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Save Tokula, 14. Tim Mikkelson, 15. Sosene Anesi Reserves: 16. Vern Kamo, 17. Ben May, 18. Romana Graham, 19. Matt Vant Leven, 20. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 21. Richard Kahui, 22. Sam Christie