Wary of an opponent looking to make an early mark, the Blues are wary of this repeat of last year's final.
Coach Vern Cotter said both teams will put much effort into the contest.
"It may not be polished because it's our first hit out where it counts and where points are at stake.
"We're making sure that we're alive, we stay connected, we seal things off and play with purpose while being smarter about what we're doing and knowing team cohesion should help us when we're in difficulty."
That process should be aided by having the side's leaders and drivers back in the quest for a consistent build to start the season.
Cotter said the goal would be the same for all teams heading into the season.
"You've got to win your first game and keep building from there. We know what's at stake and are realistic about where we're at."
There is no credit in 2025 for the Blues winning last year. They had to line up and start like everyone else without points.
"We're very pragmatic and our mindset has been to improve. It's a great way to be and there is a positive atmosphere within the group trying to grow and become better. And we challenge ourselves."
Cotter said the reduction of teams and the spread of Rebels players across the squads would contribute to a tighter competition.
The warm-up games revealed changes among teams, and he felt the Highlanders looked well-prepared.
Captain and lock Patrick Tuipulotu said expectations are heavier on the side as defending champions looking to repeat their success.
"It's a long season, you've got to win games to get there. That's always motivating us to try and do our best every week and helps us understand that we need to be better than what we were last year to be able to win again. It is a hard, hard slog."
Having to do it without partner Sam Darry, who has suffered a campaign-ending injury, has provided others with a chance, but he would be missed for his lineout calling and skills. However, he would still be working with the squad and helping out.
The backs would benefit from having All Black Beauden Barrett back and starting at fullback.
Cotter said, "He's a key player, a game driver, so he's fitting into the way we play, and we're enjoying what he brings with his skill sets. It's nice he gets his first game back after a year away, and he's on Eden Park, starting at fullback and we know he's a class player, and he'll get the best out of the people around him as well."
The Chiefs will field two debut players in former Crusader Brodie McAlister at hooker and former All Blacks Sevens representative Leroy Carter on the wing. Taranaki's first five-eighths, Josh Jacomb, starts at first five-eighths with Damian McKenzie at fullback.
Xavier Roe will start at halfback, with All Black Cortez Ratima to come off the bench. The loose forwards, with captain Luke Jacobson at No8 and Kaylum Boshier and Simon Parker on the sides of the scrum, will provide an outstanding contest in the loose.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said the Blues are a quality side with multiple threats.
"If anything, they look stronger on paper than they did in 2024, which will make them an incredibly tough team to crack.
"With our Test players only rejoining us late in the pre-season, we've opted to bring the majority of them back via the bench. That rewards those who have worked relentlessly over the last few months, and allows us to inject some experience later in the game."