Robinson in for injured Gill

The Reds have made just one change from last week with Beau Robinson starting on the flank instead of injured Australia Under-20 skipper Liam Gill.

Gill misses out after picking up a hamstring strain during last week's victory over the Melbourne Rebels.

In place of Robinson on the bench there is room for rookie loose forward Jarrad Butler, who will make his Super Rugby debut if he is called upon during the match.

On the bench centre Ben Tapuai makes his return after recovering from a broken collarbone he sustained back in round nine.

It was also be an opportunity for the Reds to continue their climb up the Super Rugby ladder as they make their push towards the finals with just two regular season matches remaining.  

The game also marks a milestone from Ben Lucas, who is named among the replacements, as it will be his 50th Super Rugby cap should be come off the bench.

After hooker Saia Faingaa celebrated the 50-game milestone for Queensland last week against the Rebels, it's now Lucas who is in line to reach the honour.

Lucas debuted for Queensland in 2008 against the Brumbies and was involved in the team's historic championship-winning campaign of 2011, while he has earned Wallabies squad selection twice without receiving a cap.

"Loyalty is massive for me and I've grown up a Queenslander, so to reach 50 games for the Reds is something I'm very proud of," Lucas said.

"It's a huge honour and hopefully there will be many more caps to come. It's a special environment here at the Reds and it has been enjoyable to be a part of this side and watch this team grow."

The Reds are still without star back Digby Ioane, who has been sidelined with a bout of pneumonia.

However, the Test winger expects to take his place in the side next week in front of a huge crowd for the Reds final regular season match against the Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.

"Last week's result against the Rebels has put us in a good space so it's important we build from that to put in another strong performance against the Highlanders on Friday," Reds coach Ewen McKenzie said.

"It has been seven weeks since we were last at Suncorp Stadium so we won't be lacking motivation with the result crucial to our finals fate. It's an exciting period of the season and we've proven in the past that we're a team that can step-up in the big games.

"It's unfortunate to be without Liam and Digby but our expectations remain high and we're looking forward to the contest."

Reds: 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Anthony Faingaa, 12 Mike Harris, 11 Chris F'Sautia, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 Beau Robinson, 6 Jake Schatz, 5 Adam Wallace-Harrison, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 James Slipper, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Greg Holmes.

Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Ben Daley, 18 Radike Samo, 19 Jarrad Butler, 20 Ben Lucas, 21 Ben Tapuai, 22 Nick Frisby.

Date: Friday, July 6

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)

TMO: Steve Lesczcynski (Australia)