Not only is the weather expected to be sweltering, as the North Island falls under a cloud of humidity, but the Highlanders will need to get up to speed against a Chiefs side featuring plenty of pace.
Both sides kicked off their season last week with narrow losses - the Chiefs losing 35-31 to the Hurricanes in Mangatainoka, and the Highlanders losing 31-29 to the Blues in Balclutha - so a win would be much appreciated by both teams.
But pre-season is more about setting benchmarks, and performing the basics well, than the result on the scoreboard.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is taking 28 players to the game but is not expected to make too many changes initially.
"We want to have a bit more stability to start with and get a bit more from the starting team.
"Last week was a bit different as we wanted to achieve something, in that everyone got on the field and had a game," he said.
"This time we want to give some guys a bit more of a run together. It's always a bit of a balancing act."
The Highlanders looked sharp in the first half last week before making 10 changes at the halftime break, and combinations looked rusty in the second 40 minutes.
The side had spent more time on its defence this week although Joseph said it was important to not forget the attacking game.
The Chiefs have some weapons out wide and will test the Highlanders' defence. The new midfield combination of Shaun Treeby and Kendrick Lynn will need to be strong in the tackle.
Treeby looked good in patches last week although he made a couple of mistakes on defence while Lynn is slowly working his way into form after a groin injury.
"The attack was pretty good last week and some players shone. We are just working hard and generating some energy as we move towards the start of the season. It is still a fair way away but we know the time will go quick," Joseph said.
The side's two current All Blacks, lock Tom Donnelly and halfback Jimmy Cowan, should expect to get a reasonable amount of playing time.
"I've been really impressed with what they've brought along to the team. They are rugby players. They want to play the game and get back into the All Blacks. It is a big year for them, this year."
The focus will undoubtedly fall on first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga.
With Colin Slade out injured, the 20-year-old has big shoes to fill, but Joseph has confidence in the youngster, and said it was wise to try him out in a trial game.
Joseph said nothing could be read into the starting of lock Jarrad Hoeata in front of Josh Bekhuis for the second week running. Hoeata had not previously played with Donnelly, so the coaches wanted to see how this combination worked out.
The Highlanders will travel up and back in the day.
The team that wins today will not have bragging rights for long. The Chiefs will be in Dunedin in three weeks to play the Highlanders at Carisbrook in the second week of the Super 15.
HIGHLANDERS v CHIEFS
- Taupo, today, 2.30pm
• Highlanders: Robbie Robinson, Ben Smith, Kendrick Lynn, Shaun Treeby, Kade Poki, Lima Sopoaga, Jimmy Cowan, Nasi Manu, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, Tom Donnelly, Jarrad Hoeata, David Te Moana, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
- Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Brayden Mitchell, Chris King, Bronson Murray, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Nick Crosswell, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Siale Piutau, Matt Saunders, James Paterson, Telusa Veainu.
• Chiefs: Tim Nanai-Williams, Lelia Masaga, Save Tokula, Tana Umaga, Dwayne Sweeney, Mike Delany, Taniela Moa, Fritz Lee, Scott Waldrom, Hayden Triggs, Romana Graham, Craig Clarke, Ben Afeaki, Daniel Perrin, Sona Taumalolo.
- Reserves: Toby Smith, Aled de Malmanche, Nathan White, Culum Retallick, Isaac Ross, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Jackson Willison, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ahsee Tuala, Trent Renata, Taiasina Tuifua, Liam Messam.
