Jamie Joseph is starting some of his lesser known players for the Highlanders' friendly with the Crusaders in Oamaru.

The team currently has nine players on international duty for New Zealand, Fiji and Japan.

As a result Joseph has named a number of replacement provincial players for tomorrow's game.

He says the situation isn't unique to the Otago side, with several other teams facing similar line-up decisions.

The friendly game will mark the Highlanders debut for halfbacks Te Aihe Toma and Jamie Booth.

Jospeh hopes the match will serve as a good build up for the team ahead of games in both South Africa and Argentina.