The Highlanders named their team for the match yesterday and all three All Blacks will take the field.
First five-eighth Lima Sopoaga will definitely start, as he needs game time, despite an injury cloud over All Black Aaron Cruden, who picked up a knee injury in the Chiefs’ win over the Hurricanes last Friday night.
Highlanders coach Scott McLeod, who is taking the head coaching role this week from Tony Brown, who is in Japan, said the match was a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for many of the players.
"For this team and club, we are in a really intense competition where points are crucial where we are in the ladder. It is really unique for this whole region and the players. These guys are unlikely to play them again.
"For some players, it will be the biggest game in their lives. For some of the local boys, having the place filled to the brim, hopefully, will be really exciting."
The Lions scored a 12-3 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night, getting the tour back on track and showing they will be a force to reckon with tomorrow night.
McLeod said the side knew what was coming but it was more about them than the opposition.
"That taught us a hell of a lot last night. The Crusaders have been quite dominant in their attacking and the Lions completely shut them down in their phase and their set piece. And held them tryless.
"So they are a massive defensive threat ... we at the Highlanders are renowned for our attitude and the way we want to play the game. We want to express that again.
"We usually like to give it a bit of air here but in saying that I’m sure they will want to too. We have prepared in the way we want to play the game. That has always been our focus."
McLeod said some players had been added to the side’s leadership ground this week, with other players away on national duty.
Discarded All Black Malakai Fekitoa was disappointed with his dropping from the national team and McLeod said it was tough on the big centre, as he had always played well for the All Blacks — "and in the past they have always picked those players".
But he would be out to play well tomorrow and show what he can do.
"I just think the way we use him is a little bit different perhaps than the way the All Blacks want to use him in terms of those attacking skills. He has still got to grow and learn what they are after in that area and perform."
McLeod was expecting a strong and physical opponent.
"That is the style they will want to take into the test matches. That is no doubt. They may bring a bit of extra flair into that. I just want to see a great spectacle. They can bring whatever they like. I know what we want to bring and how to play."
Highlanders v Lions
Forsyth Barr Stadium, tomorrow, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock (captain), Dillon Hunt, Gareth Evans, Jackson Hemopo, Alex Ainley, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Greg Pleasants-Tate, Aki Seiuli, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Josh Renton, Marty Banks, Patrick Osborne.
Lions: Jared Payne, Jack Nowell, Jonathan Joseph, Robbie Henshaw, Tommy Seymour, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb, CJ Stander, Sam Warburton (captain), James Haskell, Iain Henderson, Courtney Lawes, Kyle Sinckler, Rory Best, Joe Marler. Reserves: Ken Owens, Jack McGrath, Dan Cole, Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric, Greig Laidlaw, Owen Farrell, Elliot Daly.