The Highlanders take on a Southland XV at Forsyth Barr Stadium in a game to keep up match sharpness, as the Super 15 resumes next weekend.
The Highlanders will host the Crusaders on June 29 and coach Jamie Joseph says the game is a way to get back into routine.
''It will be good to have a run and get the guys out playing the game. It is pretty important to get guys out there and play a game,'' he said.
''Going towards the end of the season, we have just the four games to go [including tonight's match], so the players will want to make the most of the chance they get.''
The Highlanders lost both their games after the international break last season and the coaches are obviously keen to avoid that happening again.
They felt the best way to avoid that scenario was to get into game strategy sooner rather than later. Hence, the game tonight.
The Crusaders are also not twiddling their thumbs and will play the Hurricanes in Levin tonight.
For the likes of Kade Poki and Buxton Popoali'i, the Highlanders game is a test after long spells on the sideline. Both pocket rockets, they are in contention for the right wing in the final games of the season.
It is also a chance for Lima Sopoaga, who has been out for 10 weeks, to give his injured ankle a workout.
Joseph said he would not be looking at making too many substitutions, and wanted to see some steel up front.
With four of his forwards playing for Southland, Joseph has only one forward on the substitute bench, hooker Liam Coltman, who has played plenty of rugby already this season. Coltman has also played club rugby during the break.
Others have played club rugby but, for combinations and intensity, nothing matches a game.
Only 30 minutes will be played in each half, with the Southland players expected to back up and play club rugby tomorrow. Southland, coached by David Henderson, is yet to play a game this season.
Dunedin halfback Brad Weber is no longer in the Otago training squad but should get a run for the Highlanders tonight.
The Southland side has Warrick Lynn, the younger brother of former Highlanders centre Kendrick Lynn, at fullback.
It is a chance for the likes of Southland backs Scott Eade and Cardiff Vaega to show they can handle this level.
The original plan was for an invitational Otago side to play one half, along with Southland, but Otago declined the invitation.
Highlanders XV v Southland XV
Forsyth Barr Stadium, tonight, 6pm
Highlanders: Tony Ensor, Kade Poki, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Buxton Popoali'i, Colin Slade, Frae Wilson, Jake Paringatai, Hugh Blake, Jarrad Hoeata, Joe Wheeler, Brad Thorn (captain), Ma'afu Fia, Brayden Mitchell, Bronson Murray. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Brad Weber, Hosea Gear, Hayden Parker, Simeli Koniferedi, Trent Renata, Lima Sopoaga.
Southland Invitational XV: Warrick Lynn, Tim Cornforth, Bryan Milne, Cardiff Vaega, Keanu Kahukura, Scott Eade, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Campbell Smith, Craig Smith, Josh Bekhuis, Nic Barrett, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: David Hall, JP Keon, Jose Seru, Scott McKee, Sven Penwarden, Aston Talaia, Brenton Howden, Ryan Koning, Ratu Dawai, Marty Mckenzie.
Referee: Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri.
