Otago Country will hope to have done away with the last of the rustiness when it faces Horowhenua-Kapiti at Otaki tonight.
The Country team was beaten 26-23 by Wairarapa-Bush on Saturday in Masterton in the first match of its northern tour.
Co-coach Dave Latta said Country could have won the game, and it was a typical first-up effort.
"We did some things well but there were just those little things in games which meant we couldn't really get a flow on," Latta said.
"It was a typical first-up game for us.
"Hopefully, we've got that out of the system and can push on now."
Knock-ons, kicks being charged down, and passes not going to hand did not help the Otago Country cause against a spirited Wairarapa-Bush side.
Latta said the team had trained well on Sunday, having a good blow-out on the day after the game, and had also trained yesterday.
The side was enjoying staying in the capital and had visited Westpac Stadium over the weekend.
Latta has kept faith with most of his side that played on Saturday, with the backline the same.
Former Highlander Charlie Hore had a solid game at second five-eighth and his experience would be helpful, Latta said.
Craig Hyslop comes into the locking position, in place of Junior Maiono, in the only change to the starting line-up.
Horowhenua-Kapiti had its first game of the season on Saturday, losing 31-10 to Manawatu B.
The side has lost a few experienced players from last year, when it was beaten by Poverty Bay in the final of the Lochore Cup.
The match will be played under lights in Otaki, just south of Levin.
Otago Countryteam to play tonight
Matt Faddes, Sonny Vakaruru, Lex Kaleca, Charlie Hore, Ben Purvis, Sam Young (captain), James Kenny, Shaun Taiti, Aidan Winter, Dave Kenny, Dan Iosefo, Craig Hyslop, Blair Young, Willie Harris, Hamish McDougall.
Reserves: Dan Greon, Vaughan Dowling, Daniel Dodds, Simon Grant, Lachie Moore, Mitchell Lake, Alan Thomson.
