The 2021 squad's confidence will be high after travelling up to Te Kuiti and getting a big 53-25 win over King Country last weekend.
"They've got a strong looking team – some pretty powerful players across the park," said Whanganui coach Jason Caskey about the turnaround.
"Might have got the cheque book out and got a few players."
After the wide open attack against Poverty Bay in good weather at Cooks Gardens, Caskey is expecting heavy rain and northeasterlies at the Ashburton Showgrounds, and so is preparing the side for more of an arm-wrestle, where needing a functioning set-piece and smart territory kicking will come back into vogue.
Every three pointer could prove crucial.
"We've got to be prepared for that option.
"It's a game that's not conducive to throwing the ball around willy nilly."
Running the cutter will be Craig Clare, as the former Highlander returns to the starting lineup in a swap with Dane Whale, despite a strong performance last weekend with seven goals from eight attempts in a 16-point haul for his 50th match.
Likewise, on the bench, younger brother Ben Whale makes way for returning loose forward Kieran Hussey, while barnstorming reserve back Timoci Seruwalu is replaced by Ethan Robinson.
"It was more of a case that most guys played well pre-season. It's giving guys an opportunity early," said Caskey.
"I don't think there's a lot between most guys – to be fair.
"Dane's played well, it's giving Craig an opportunity – having a look at what suits best."
In his return to the Heartland setup, the dogged Hussey had a strong preseason, while Robinson's all-round playmaking skills with the passing, kicking, and communication could be better suited to this style of match, rather than Seruwalu's crash-bash.
Caskey confirmed that Whale is also the quasi-reserve halfback, a role he performed briefly against Poverty Bay, with Whanganui not having their usual depth in behind the veteran Lindsay Horrocks.
Both deputy Cameron Davies, a logger, and the versatile utility back Tyler Rogers-Holden, shepherd, have had to withdraw due to work commitments after level 3-4 saw the season extended nearly a month.
"With the [Covid] delay, the circumstances, it was a bit too tough, they had too much on," said Caskey.
"A hard decision for them both. But their employers were hit in the pocket a bit, and I think they wanted to help out."
A couple of the other squad members may have to miss a specific game here and there due to previously arranged plans before the lockdown delay, but Caskey said the rest were all committed right through to November and hopefully a Meads final appearance.
The side flies out to Christchurch on Friday before kickoff on Saturday at 2.30pm.
The Whanganui team is:
1. Hadlee Hay-Horton; 2. Dylan Gallien; 3. Viki Tofa; 4. Peter-Travis Hay-Horton; 5. Josh Lane; 6. Campbell Hart ©; 7. Jamie Hughes; 8. Semi Vodosese; 9. Lindsay Horrocks; 10. Craig Clare; 11. Alekesio Vakarorogo; 12. Josaia Bogileka; 13. Kameli Kuruyabaki; 14. Joeli Rauca; 15. Te Rangatira Waitokia.
Reserves – Forwards: 16. Roman Tutauha; 17. Gabriel Hakaraia; 18. Cade Robinson; 19. Kieran Hussey. Backs: 20: Ethan Robinson; 21. Dane Whale; 22. Peceli Malanicagi.
