It may not carry any competition points, but the game has been attractive enough for more than 3000 fans to make their way to the small Canterbury settlement for the game.
With All Blacks players not featuring among all teams, it is a chance for lesser lights to show their wares. Among the newcomers for the Blues will be lock Tristyn Cook, flanker Sam Hainsworth-Fa'aofo, three-quarter Reon Paul, first five-eighths Rico Simpson, wing Nathan Salmon, second five-eighths Xavi Taele, centre Meihana Grindlay, and wing Quinton Nicholls.
Crusaders flanker Ethan Blackadder said he lives for games of this type.
"Going back to the country – that's what it's all about. Going out into the community and putting on a show for them."
Lock Antonio Shalfoon will have a first taste of the Crusaders' play, while other newcomers include loose forward Xavier Saifoloi, former Hurricanes halfback Kyle Preston, and former Wallaby utility back James O'Connor.
At New Plymouth's Yarrow Stadium, the Chiefs will present their off-season acquisitions during their three 30-minute periods against the Hurricanes.
Hooker Brodie McAlister, previously with the Crusaders, and Putaruru-born loose forward Jahrome Brown, who has played six seasons for the Brumbies, will be joined by former All Blacks Sevens utility back Leroy Carter.
Also appearing for the first time for the Chiefs is Taranaki's first five-eighths Josh Jacomb.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw will field 47 players in the game. Newcomers playing include former Blues wing Kade Banks, Olympic Sevens player and centre Fehi Fineanganofo and Taranaki loose forward Arese Poliko.
"Pre-season games are our best chance of getting a real feel for where the team is at after a couple of months in the Hurricanes environment."
He has been happy with the side's preparation.
"For some of our guys, they've only been back in the environment for a few weeks which has allowed the new players in the squad to get good opportunities in training. It's important that we now take this opportunity to give most of the squad some game time."
The Highlanders are playing Moana Pasifika on Friday at North Harbour Stadium's outer oval with 32 players to get time during the 3 x 30-minute halves.
Coach Jamie Joseph said, "We're looking forward to seeing how the squad gels in game conditions. We've got a lot of exciting talent and competition for spots this season, and this match will be a great opportunity to fine-tune some things and build momentum."
New Highlanders to play in the game include, prop Sosefo Kautai, hooker Soane Vikena, lock Lui Naeata, loose forward Viveni Lasaqa, wings Caleb Tangitau and Michael Manson.
Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has named three squads for each of the spells.
The club has made 14 new signings, including three players elevated to full-time contracts.
"We've welcomed new players with valuable experience and some fresh young talent who are getting their first taste of Super Rugby Pacific. We want to give everyone a chance to play and test new combinations.
"We want to be competitive this year, so this is an opportunity for us to see where are players are at and how we can improve before the season begins."