The Highlanders have undergone a full transformation since they were last sighted in 2010.
They have a new coaching team, a swag of new players, new offices, and, hopefully, a whole new attitude.
Most importantly though, things have to change on the field - and that starts today with the first warm-up match against the Blues in Balclutha.
Though it is only a pre-season match, and with larger squads thanks to the expanded competition, meaning the substitution bench is likely to resemble Paddington Station at rush hour, the Highlanders have to show they mean business.
Not necessarily a win - in these games the score often becomes immaterial - but a show of force, commitment, and most of all, skill is needed from the Highlanders.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said the game was about testing players and having a look at different combinations.
"It is a funny sort of game, in a way, as we know the guys are really ready to play. They've had three weeks of training and want to get out on the field and test themselves," Joseph said.
"We want to have a look at some combinations and put some of the young guys out there and see them playing at the next level."
One combination he is keen to have a look at is in the loose forwards where a big unit of Adam Thomson on the openside flank, Nick Crosswell on the other side, and Nasi Manu at No 8 will hunt for the loose ball.
"They are good, big guys and we are playing against some big guys in their team, so it will be interesting to see how they go."
Thomson may play all three loose forward positions during the season, as he presses for a return to the black jersey.
Joseph said momentum was ultimately hard to maintain in these games - it will be played in 20-minute quarters - but personal pride should see players want to perform.
"The guys haven't played for months but the team want to play well and it is about personal integrity and getting out there and playing as well as you can."
He was not overly worried about the result on the scoreboard but more about how players performed.
Ben Smith will want to shine in his natural position of fullback while prop David Te Moana could stake an early claim for a start in the front row.
All Blacks Tom Donnelly and Jimmy Cowan have joined the team this week in training but Joseph has opted to leave them out, giving them another week to get up to speed.
Others out of action include Chris King, who is getting back to full fitness after a hernia operation, loose forward Elliot Dixon, who is still recovering from a nasty stomach bug, and hooker Mahonri Schwalger, who is still feeling the effects of a hamstring strain.
Joseph said the squad had to have depth as all players would be called upon to front in the competition.
"We're talking 16 games in a row and no-one is going to be able to play all of those games. This is a long, hard competition. There will undoubtedly be some rust on show today. There will be plenty of mistakes. Both sides have plenty of new faces on show and it will take time to click."
Colin Slade will go head-to-head with his provincial team-mate, Stephen Brett, and Slade will be keen to show why he had a monopoly on the red and black No 10 jersey last year.
No All Blacks from the Blues will play.
Lock Ali Williams is coming back from the United Kingdom after getting back into playing, and will join the squad next week.
The Blues will fly down this morning and return home tonight.
Showers are forecast to clear this morning for the game.
Highlanders v Blues
Balclutha, today, 12.30pm
Referee: Jonathon White (Auckland)
Highlanders: Ben Smith, James Paterson, Siale Piutau, Shaun Treeby, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, Adam Thomson, Nick Crosswell, Joe Tuineau, Jarrad Hoeata, David Te Moana, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Bronson Murray, Halani Aulika, Josh Bekhuis, John Hardie, Alando Soakai, Sean Romans, Lima Sopoaga, Matt Saunders, Kendrick Lynn, Telusa Veainu, Robbie Robinson.
Blues: Jared Payne, Lachie Munro, Benson Stanley, Luke McAlister, Sherwin Stowers, Stephen Brett, Chris Smylie, Chris Lowrey, Luke Braid, Peter Saili, Filo Paulo, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, Tevita Mailau.
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Pauliasi Manu, James King, Sean Polwart, Mat Luamanu, Toby Morland, Winston Stanley, Nafi Tuitavake, Auvasa Faleali'i, Gareth Anscombe, Aaron Bancroft.
