Highlanders hooker Ash Dixon will be a key man for his side this Friday and he knows it.
The side plays a quarterfinal in Canberra on Friday night against the Brumbies, a team which revolves its game around the set piece.
Dixon (27) will have an impact on the outcome of the match as the man who throws the ball into the lineout and packs downs in the middle of the front row in the scrums.
Dixon is expecting plenty from the Australian outfit.
"They do have quite a threat in their lineout and scrums. They do have some world-class players in that forward pack,'' he said.
"We just have to got to be aware of that and know what we can do to stop that.
"Their lineout drive is one to watch. They score a lot of tries off that. We have to be really smart with our plans.''
Stopping the Brumbies maul was a priority and that came about from getting the hands on the ball or putting the players on the ground before a maul was formed.
Dixon said the set piece of the Highlanders last week was fine but there were things to improve on.
"It was a pass but not the greatest. So some work this week to make sure we are sharp. Our scrum was a bit off in the weekend. We need to put in a bit of work this weekend to make it easier. Couple of technical things we need to do well.
"The biggest challenge this week, I think, it is about getting complacent [and how to avoid it]. I think we need to prepare how we have been. I think the travel is done and we are ready to go. We had yesterday [Monday] off to charge the batteries and we are looking forward to this week.''
Dixon was part of the victorious Highlanders side which won the title last year but said that was not talked about as the team heads into the playoffs this season.
"It is completely different. Last year is last year. Different format this year. There is a bit of travel involved and any one of the eight teams can take it out.
"For us we just have to prepare well, get out there and do the business.''
Dixon has been getting the starts over recent games due to Liam Coltman being out with a toe injury although Coltman came back to the reserves bench last week.
The Highlanders head to Auckland tonight and stay there overnight before travelling to Canberra via Sydney tomorrow.
The Highlanders will name their side for the match late today.
Meanwhile, Australian whistle-blower Angus Gardner has been confirmed to referee the match in Canberra.
He will be assisted by Ben O'Keeffe and Nic Berry on the sideline and George Ayoub as the television match official.