Western Force winger Nick Cummins has been dropped to the bench for Friday night's Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

In the only change to the starting side from last week's 34-28 loss to the Hurricanes, Cummins has been replaced on the right wing by Alfie Mafi.

Star Wallabies back James O'Connor, halfback Brett Sheehan and five-eighth Willie Ripia have remained in Perth to receive further treatment on their injuries, meaning scrumhalf Mark Swanepoel and James Stannard will again form the crucial 9-10 combination.

Cummins had shouldered a heavy workload this season and Force coach Richard Graham said he was keen to give someone else a chance in the wing role.

"We've had another week together on tour and, unlike last week, where there was a number of late changes, we've had time to prepare and settle on the squad," Graham said.

"Bringing in Alfie is a chance to see what he can offer and see how he goes about playing under pressure from the start.

"Throughout this season, we've seen a number of boys, like Paddy Dellit, take their opportunities and this is a chance for Alfie to do the same."

The Force have won their past three outings against the Highlanders, two of those wins coming on New Zealand soil.

Friday's match will also mark the final Super Rugby game to be played at Carisbrook Stadium, with the Highlanders moving to a new home from next season.

Flanker Alando Soakai, who had played 55 games for the Highlanders and 68 for Otago, said the team were desperate to farewell the ground with a win.

"There are a lot of memories of Carisbrook for me," Soakai said.

"There have been a lot of ups and downs, but I'll take away a lot of good memories of the place.

"But, first things first, I want to do my bit and it would be great to say goodbye to Carisbrook with a win."

Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Kendrick Lynn, Shaun Treeby, Siale Piutau, Lima Sopoaga, Jimmy Cowan, Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Adam Thomson, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Mo Schwalger, Jamie Mackintosh (capt). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Tom Donnelly, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Smith, Robbie Robinson, Alando Soakai.

Force: Cameron Shepherd, Alfie Mafi, Patrick Dellit, Rory Sidey, David Smith, James Stannard, Mark Swanepoel, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sam Wykes, Tim Fairbrother, Nathan Charles, Kieran Longbottom. Res: Ben Whittaker, Matt Dunning, Tom Hockings, Richard Brown, Chris Cottee, Mitch Inman, Nick Cummins.

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