Australian Services skipper Robbie Harlow could be excused for walking into the wrong dressing room in the match against the New Zealand Defence Force side at Canberra Stadium on Friday.

Born in Wellington, Harlow grew up in Christchurch and represented New Zealand in the most recent match against Australia in 2011.

He obtained a service transfer last year, relocating to Adelaide and then Newcastle before spending the past six months in the Middle East with the Air Force.

Harlow said he was honoured to have the opportunity to do his part to remember those who gave their lives.

"There's a lot of history there so there's going to be a lot of feeling in the game," Harlow said.

"I actually played for the New Zealand Defence Force the last time we played in 2011, which was a 29-all draw.

"I'm definitely copping it from a few of my teammates, but everyone's pretty supportive."

Both teams will be using the match as a vital warm-up ahead of this year's International Defence Rugby Competition, which runs parallel with the Rugby World Cup.

The Australian team has had a week in camp to prepare for the game, with players based across the country.

"We've got a majority of Army guys, and that's changed with the different tournaments we've played," Harlow said.

"There's a couple based in Canberra who are going through their initial officer training.

"It's the Anzac Centenary Test, so it's the perfect time to give them a crack."

The Trans-Tasman encounter is a curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby clash between the ACT Brumbies and the Otago Highlanders.

FRIDAY: Australian Services Rugby Union v New Zealand Defence Force Rugby Union at Canberra Stadium, 5.10pm.