Super Rugby team the Highlanders are in mourning following the death of centre Matt Saunders' father Mike.

The Highlanders, who are the only undefeated New Zealand team in this year's competition, are preparing for the second-leg of their South African tour against the Stormers on Saturday morning (AEDT) in Cape Town.

Last week they defeated defending Super Rugby champions the Bulls 35-28 in South Africa.

Saunders is due back to New Zealand on Friday and centre partner Kendrick Lynn said the team was shattered after hearing of Saunders' loss.

"It is a tight squad, we've had a yarn about it and I know we'll pull together and hopefully put in an extra special performance for him and Mike," Lynn told New Zealand's Radio Sport.

The Stormers have beaten the visitors in their last three meetings, including last year's 33-0 win at Cape Town.

The Stormers, last year's beaten finalists, have won two home matches over the Lions and Cheetahs to make a solid start to the season, and welcome back effervescent Springboks wing Gio Aplon, who will make his first appearance of the season after overcoming a knee injury.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made only one change to his starting 15, with James Paterson replacing Kade Poki on the right wing.

Joseph has retained the same forward pack, meaning the fit-again All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly will make his comeback from the reserves bench, where he will share space with veteran former international first five-eighth Tony Brown.

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