Off the back of their hiding at the Blues' hands last weekend, the Highlanders have to pick themselves up for the Crusaders, who were also stung with a heavy first-round loss to the Chiefs, then next week travel to Hamilton to play the Chiefs.
It is one of the more demanding schedules for a side with playoff aims this year.
Coach Clarke Dermody said: "It's going to be a bit tricky over there, but I don't think it matters where we play them. It's their home game, so not playing them in Christchurch might be a good thing.
"They'll be disappointed with how they played at home, as we were, so I expect reaction, hopefully, from both teams.
"We'll be on guard, more so than we would be, playing the Crusaders, but we've got to turn around what we do more than worrying about what the Crusaders are [doing]."
The Highlanders gave the Blues too many free shots at them, and with their athletes, they could quickly make the most of their chances.
Dermody is looking for more respect for the ball when on attack. He wants the turnovers limited and the side not to concede easy entries into their 22 or easy turnovers resulting in tries.
After the fractured rib suffered by No8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Nikora Broughton will make his starting debut. Dermody believes the New Zealand Barbarians Under-20 captain last year has a big future.
"He's hugely excited – there was a big round of applause when he got named.
"He had a really good pre-season for us as a young No8, good physicality in his carry. He's not the finished article yet, but we see some good things in him that he can bring on Friday night."
Also making his first start is former England first five-eighths Freddie Burns with Mitch Hunt on the bench. Kemara Hauiti-Parapara will start at halfback.
Prop Ethan de Groot and flanker Shannon Frizell have the week off as part of the All Blacks load requirements.
Dermody was pleased with the way the law variations were applied. The ball had been in play for three or four minutes longer, and there had been a lot more space later in the game as players tired. He was also confident his players had the stamina and fitness to cope with the faster play.
The Highlanders take on the Crusaders in the opening game of the Melbourne Super Round at 8pm NZT on Friday 3 March.