Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger has wheeled out his strongest possible side for Saturday night's derby against the Chiefs in Fiji.

All Blacks flanker Liam Squire, who injured his shoulder in the second test against France this month, was the only player unavailable for selection for their first post international window match.

Squire, who is a chance to play against the Crusaders in Christchurch next Friday night, has been replaced by veteran Elliot Dixon in the No 6 jersey.

DIANNE MANSON/GETTY Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger.

It continues Mauger's preference to keep newly capped All Black Shannon Frizell on the bench, utilising his ball running and off-loading ability in the final quarter of matches.

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Frizell started for the All Blacks in Dunedin last weekend, but has only started three Super Rugby games for the Dunedin-based franchise this season.

ANTHONY AU-YEUNG-GETTY Highlanders Aaron Smith, left, and Ben Smith have only sat out one game each this season.

Otherwise, there are no real surprises as the 9-4 Highlanders prepare to play their first game in Suva, although some might question the decision to start Ash Dixon at hooker over All Black Liam Coltman.

Given the Highlanders' recent scrum woes, the return of tighthead prop Siate Tokolahi from a knee injury should suppress any anxiety levels for fans.

Particularly if they watched their team's friendly against the French Barbarians in Invercargill last weekend, when Tokolahi's return helped the Highlanders put in arguably their best performance up front this year.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs might take a gander at the Highlanders and fancy their chances of catching a few weary bodies on the hop in the warm and sapping conditions in Fiji.

That's because players such as fullback Ben Smith, No 8 Luke Whitelock, and halfback Aaron Smith haven't had a spell since Super Rugby went into exodus for the June break.

All three played a big role in the 3-0 series against France, and neither of them have sat out more than one game for the Highlanders all year.

The Highlanders, who lost to the Chiefs in Hamilton earlier in the season, are third in the New Zealand conference standings with 40 points, three points clear of the Chiefs, and must win to keep their slim hopes of securing a home quarterfinal alive.

They travelled to Fiji on Thursday, and won't return to Dunedin until late on Sunday night. Their last two games are against the Crusaders (away) and Rebels (home).

AT A GLANCE

Highlanders v Chiefs

Saturday, 7.35pm, Fiji, Suva

TAB odds: Highlanders $1.52, Chiefs $2.50

Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Siate Tokolahi, Ash Dixon (cc), Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli, Tyrel Lomax, Alex Ainley, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Richard Buckman.

Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Charlie Ngatai, Sean Wainui, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Liam Messam, Sam Cane (captain), Luke Jacobson, Tyler Ardron, Michael Allardice, Angus Ta'avao, Liam Polwart, Karl Tu'inukuafe. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sam Prattley, Jeff Thwaites, Jesse Parete, Mitch Karpik, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marty McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson.