All Blacks Kees Meeuws and Jeff Wilson will both miss the Otago Highlanders' Super 12 rugby union clash against South Africa's Sharks on Saturday.
Meeuws, a regular in the All Black front row for the past two seasons, has been dropped in favour of Carl Hayman while Wilson is out because of rib cartilage damage.
The Highlanders were beaten 56-21 by South Africa's Cats last weekend and coach Peter Sloane has wielded the axe heavily.
Wilson's injury is the only medical reason among the five changes to the team to face the undefeated Sharks.
In the second row, Vula Maimuri makes his first start in the Super 12 in place of John Blaikie, who moves on to the bench.
Finau Maka, younger brother of former All Black Isitolo, will start on the side of the scrum in place of New Zealand A captain Kelvin Middleton.
Among the backs, centre Romi Ropati is moved to the wing from centre to replace Ilisea Tanivula whose poor defence against the Cats cost him his place.
Samoan international George Leaupepe will slot in at outside centre and Brendan Laney replaces Wilson in the fullback position.