New Zealand Maori captain Liam Messam has promised England number eight Dan Ward-Smith "a tickle-up" in Wednesday's showdown in Napier.
Ward-Smith has roots in Bay of Plenty and played for the Maori Colts in 1990 before moving to England to pursue a professional career with Bristol and then Wasps.
The 32-year-old has been named on the bench after starting England's midweek games against the Australian Barbarians, but he is certain to see some action.
"I guess it is a big moment for him to play against his heritage - and he will get a bit of a tickle-up," said Messam.
Ward-Smith will become the first player of Maori heritage to play for England against the team which was founded 100 years ago.
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The match will be preceded by a half-hour-long celebration featuring up to 500 performers and England's midweek team will be in for a hot reception.
"The boys have had two good performances and we need to back it up against a determined and hard England team tomorrow," said Messam.
"We have to play to the occasion. That will give us the motivation to perform because there is a lot of history and mana in the jersey."
Ward-Smith will not be the first player with Maori heritage to play for England, with Riki Flutey and Shontayne Hape both having donned the red rose this season.
But with neither of them in Napier, Ward-Smith understands the depth of passion that exists in the black jersey more than any other player in the England camp.
Ward-Smith's family is still based in New Zealand - he was greeted at Napier airport with a welcome banner made by his sister - and he has been looking forward to this fixture since it was announced.
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"Playing for the Maori Colts was a big moment for me and I was extremely proud. At that point in my career it was a crowning glory and one of the biggest days of my life," said Ward-Smith, who qualified for the Maori through his father.
"To be involved in this fixture is pretty special for me. When I saw the fixture list come out back in England it was one of those that jumped off the page and something I would deeply like to be involved in.
"It is pretty special. I am very proud and very excited. Being on the other side of the haka will send a chill down my spine. It is one of the special sites in world rugby.
"I watched the haka in their game against Ireland and it was good - but I won't be replying in kind.Autumn Internationals Hospitality Packages with the best prices available. Corporate Hospitality Group is covering in Autumn Internationals 2010 Hospitality and Tickets.