Tuiali'i (32) has been called into the Highlanders to fill the rather large hole left by injured No8 Nasi Manu, who has damaged ligaments in his foot and is unlikely to be seen again this season.
Tuiali'i, who played nine tests for the All Blacks, the last in 2006, was on holiday in Auckland when he got the call to come south, having just finished his fifth season in Japan for the Yamaha club.
Japanese rugby is all about pace and quick ball. The Super 15 is more about confrontation and strength. Tuiali'i knows that and what sort of game he needs to bring to the table.
''It is going to be a lot more physical. The speed of the game is going to be pretty similar [to Japan]. But I will have to bar up physically and see what happens,'' he said.
''I think I have been around the game quite a while now. So I understand what needs to be done to get up for Super rugby games.
''I've just got to ball-carry, get that go-forward for the side, and just try and replicate what Nasi Manu has been doing for the past couple of seasons. It's going to be tough. I've got some big shoes to fill.''
Tuiali'i was a fine player in his prime, part of a successful Crusaders side, but whether he still has that talent will be put to the test tomorrow night should he be selected to take on the Blues.
The Kelston Boys' High School product is confident in his ability but no matter how he goes, Japan still beckons.
He has signed on for another year at the Yamaha side, and said his family really enjoyed Japanese culture and society.
He was back holidaying in Auckland when he received some contact from Highlanders management.
''They heard I was in town. I was enjoying the off-season and they gave me a call and I was keen to come down here to help out where I could.''
He last played at the end of February, when his side was beaten by Panasonic in the Japan top league playoffs.
He said despite the Highlanders' poor start to the season, morale seemed good in the camp, where he knew many of the players.
''The backs are against the wall. It's been pretty tough, but the boys are pretty positive. Apart from results, the boys are pretty up and it's up to me to contribute as much as possible.''