It's the party capital of New Zealand and the No.1 destination for adrenaline junkies but the ACT Brumbies will use Queenstown as the launching pad for their Super Rugby title aspirations.
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Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham and director of rugby Laurie Fisher will blood new combinations in a pre-season trial against the Highlanders in Queenstown on Friday night.
''We're giving the guys the full call sheet and it's up to them to execute it,'' Larkham said. ''Our pre-season build up has been good enough to warrant a win, and we're going out there to win. We're not holding anything back.''
Twelve players will make their Brumbies' debut as the competition for selection in round one begins.
The club's Wallabies representatives have been rested and will make their return in a trial against an ACT XV on February 8.
The Brumbies have also recruited five Canberra club players to bolster their ranks, with Larkham declaring it part of a plan ''to produce more local Super Rugby stars''.
For Tuggeranong Vikings playmaker Rod Iona, it's a chance to press his claims for a Super Rugby game.
Iona will get his opportunity at fly-half in the second half.
The Brumbies will start with South African recruit Lionel Cronje and Pat McCabe as the fly-half/inside-centre combination.
Iona has been in Canberra since 2010 and was part of the Brumbies' winning world club sevens campaign last year.
''I'm really excited for this chance, it doesn't come around very often,'' Iona said.
''After all these years I finally get a chance to prove myself. The sevens tournament last year opened doors for me and hopefully I can get some exposure to Super Rugby in Queenstown.''
Former Wallabies skipper David Pocock will take on the captaincy duties in his comeback from a knee reconstruction.
Extended player squad member Lachlan McCaffrey will be the Brumbies captain in the second half.
Second-rower Leon Power played just three Super Rugby games last year in a season hampered by a fractured back.
''Last year was pretty disappointing for me, I felt good but everyone else was playing well,'' Power said.
''I've got to put my hand up to earn a spot. It was frustrating but I'm feeling the fittest I've ever been.''
SUPER RUGBY TRIAL
Friday: Otago Highlanders v ACT Brumbies at Queenstown Recreation Ground, 4pm (AEDT).
