Jona Nareki will start for the Highlanders when they face the Sharks in the Super Rugby this weekend.

Nareki has previously featured for the New Zealand 7s team.

The Highlanders have opted to start All Blacks No 9 Aaron Smith against the Sharks in Dunedin on Friday, while Mitch Hunt has been given the green light to run the side from No 10.

Regular No 10 Josh Ioane will start at No 12 with Josh McKay at fullback in a side full of attacking intent.

The Highlanders takes on the Sharks at 6.05pm Friday.

Looking at other matches this week, the Brumbies will face the Rebels at 8.15pm Friday, the Chiefs will take on the Crusaders at 6.05pm Saturday, the Blues battle the Waratahs at 8.15pm Saturday, the Lions will play the Reds at 1.05am Sunday while the Stormers and the Bulls play at 3.15am Sunday and the Hurricanes will take on the Jaquares at 9.40am Sunday.