A green-looking Highlanders front eight will face a complete All Black forward pack in Oamaru tomorrow, clearly illustrating the firepower the Crusaders have at their disposal.
Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh will not start, Adam Thomson is on the bench, and Tom Donnelly is out for six weeks.
Props Bronson Murray and David Te Moana will be asked to face off against All Black props Owen Franks and Wyatt Crockett.
The Crusaders welcome back three All Blacks - lock Brad Thorn, No 8 Kieran Read and first five-eighth Dan Carter - for their first run of the season.
Joseph had previously said he would not necessarily put his first-choice starting side against the Crusaders and has stuck to that plan.
"It is more about giving all the guys a chance to experience some games at this level; giving guys the opportunity to have a crack," Joseph said.
"There are no prizes for beating the Crusaders in Oamaru in the pre-season.
We're more worried about the first game against the Hurricanes and then others after that.
"Those are the ones that count."
Manawatu loose forward Nick Crosswell will captain the side from the blindside flank and team up with Otago skipper Alando Soakai on the openside flank and Southland youngster Elliot Dixon at the back.
Crosswell is a big, bruising forward, though he has endured an injury-ravaged career, and will want to make an impact tomorrow from the front.
Robbie Robinson gets a start at the first five-eighth position and will have his Southland team-mates either side of him, with Jimmy Cowan at halfback and Matt Saunders in the No 12 jersey.
Joseph said a choice had to be made between Robinson and Lima Sopoaga for first five-eighth with Colin Slade sidelined.
"Lima had his chance last week and played quite well.
Now it is Robbie's turn to have a crack.
While Robbie is young, he has had a bit more time in the saddle there and we'll give him a decent go."
With five props in the squad, Mackintosh would not be pressed into service and Joseph was keen to have a look at Murray and Chris King, each having the ability to play both sides of the scrum.
Ben Smith continues his spell in the No 15 jersey while Kade Poki gets another start on the left wing.
Former Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg is not playing for the Crusaders, still hampered by a leg injury.
The Crusaders do welcome back Corey Flynn, who is playing his first game after injury ended his 2010 season early.
The Crusaders will be captained by experienced lock Chris Jack, and Sam Whitelock will team up with his brother, George, in the loose forwards.
Adam Whitelock, after concussion ruined his season last year, will start at second five-eighth, while a fourth brother, Luke, is a loose forward reserve.
