The Highlanders are back on home soil ahead of their match against the Crusaders later this month.

Coach Jamie Joseph says the game is an opportunity to give the entire squad a run while the international players are away playing for New Zealand, Fiji and Japan respectively.

While the result will have no impact on the current Super Rugby competition, Joseph says it's good preparation ahead of their game in South Africa next month.

The two teams will meet in Oamaru next week, with the Highlanders hoping for a repeat of last month's 34-26 victory against the Crusaders.