Hurricanes assistant coach John Plumtree told media in Wellington yesterday the Highlanders appeared to be peaking at the right time and his side will have to be on the ball defensively throughout the game.
"They [Highlanders] have just got better and better ... the cream always comes to the top and they are certainly a top side in this competition,'' Plumtree said.
"This will be a good game for us to measure how good we are as a group and the boys are pretty excited about it.''
The Hurricanes, like the Highlanders, had the bye last week and took the opportunity to put their feet up and rest some tired bodies. The side has come back from South Africa and looked flat in its most recent game against the Reds in Wellington.
Plumtree admits the competition is coming to a climax and his side has to continue winning in what is a very tight New Zealand conference.
"If you look at our run-in, it is pretty tough. After the June break it is pretty tough. It would be good for us finishing this part of the competition on a high and come away with a win.
"It looks like we are still a while from the grand final. But we are getting close and we can't afford to lose this game this week.
The Hurricanes had a scratchy victory over the Reds, winning 29-14.
Five players - Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, Cory Jane, Victor Vito and Chris Eves - were stood down by team management for that match after missing a curfew in South Africa.
Plumtree said any decision to bring the players back for this Friday night was ultimately up to head coach Chris Boyd but he expected them to come back into the team.
There were doubts over lock Michael Fatialofa and hooker and skipper Dane Coles who had picked up concussions.
Their availability would be confirmed tomorrow. Centre Matt Proctor was carrying a knee injury but should be right.
The game is a replay of the final from last year where the Highlanders came away with a 21-14 victory.
Plumtree is hoping for a big crowd to turn up and see a good game.
"Both these teams can play some really good rugby. That final last year was a pretty good spectacle. The crowd was great and it was a good occasion. I hope we can get the same atmosphere this Friday night.
"They will target our midfield and a couple of other areas as well. But we have just got to come up with a plan to shut them down, don't give them the space they want.''
In a very tight New Zealand conference, the team which loses on Saturday will drop a win behind at least three other teams.
The Highlanders returned to training yesterday and will be buoyed by the fact the side has not lost in Wellington under Jamie Joseph.
It lost to the Hurricanes last year 56-20 but the game was played in Napier.
