First five-eighths Cameron Millar, No8 Nikora Broughton, flanker Will Tucker, fullback Finn Hurley, and Argentine wing Martin Bogado are three named in the first half team, while in the second half team, halfback James Arscott and former Chiefs wing Jonah Lowe will make their first appearances.
Coach Clarke Dermody said the Farmers Cup would be a chance to see how the things they have put in place during their pre-season were working, especially having a new coaching group involved with new philosophies, Dermody said.
It was also a chance to play the pre-season game in front of a crowd again after Covid restrictions meant the games were not open to the public over the last two years.
"It's going to be awesome for the boys to see the support and, hopefully afterwards, be able to spend time with the fans as opposed to all being closed doors."
In the first half, the introduction of Millar to a higher level of rugby would be of interest, as Dermody said he was seen as a player with a big future for the Highlanders.
"It's a bit of a free shot for him. He's had a great pre-season so just being able to go out and do his thing, he plays a different game to Mitch, and it is awesome to have Mitch back on the field."
Hunt, who hasn't played since he suffered a head knock in May last year, will captain the Highlanders in the second half of the game.
"He's a big part of our leadership group and the boys love him and we're a better team when he's playing. So, it's about getting him comfortable and confident about running the team."
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith and flanker Shannon Frizell would not be playing due to rest requirements.
Dermody said now that Smith's future had been announced, he couldn't speak highly enough of his contribution to the Highlanders.
"The thing I like about him is that he's been with one club. He got given an opportunity, and I'm sure he's had the opportunity in that stint he's been here, but I know that legacy is a big thing for him.
"He wants to be the most capped and the best, and he's done that. So it's another big year for him and a World Cup year, and he wants to leave the Highlanders in a better place.
"He's great with the young guys, but what's made him good is his work ethic and his professionalism over time. He didn't start like that, but in the last five to seven years, that has got him to where he has got to.
"So him doing his normal week and those guys witnessing it, and being involved in it is probably a real strength for us."
They knew the day was coming, but they had been able to prepare for that, Dermody said.
"You're losing a guy with 176 games, and that is a lot to replace."
Highlanders v Crusaders (pre-season game), Friday 10 February, 5.30pm, Weston Park, Oamaru
FIRST HALF TEAM: Forwards: Ayden Johnstone, Andrew Makalio, Saula Mau, Will Tucker, Josh Bekhuis, Max Hicks, James Lentjes (c), Nikora Broughton. Backs: Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Cam Millar, Mosese Dawai, Scott Gregory, Isaac Te Tamaki, Martin Bogado, Finn Hurley
SECOND HALF TEAM: Forwards: Rohan Wingham, Jack Taylor, Jermaine Ainsley, Paripari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Jacob Payne. Backs: James Arscott, Mitch Hunt (c), Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert