The Highlanders head to Canberra this week to take on the Brumbies.
After playing the other four New Zealand sides in the first four rounds, the Highlanders finally get to play a side from outside the Shaky Isles.
In fact, of their next nine games, only one - the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on April 8 - is against a New Zealand team.
So the stage is set for the side to get back on track and put together a run of wins. But it is not going to just happen.
Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett said the side was mindful of a Brumbies outfit coming off an impressive 28-12 dismantling of the Waratahs in Sydney.
''We've had a really good look at the Brumbies and they are a South African-style team with X-factor as well. We are pretty desperate. We're not underestimating them at all,'' Hammett said.
''We have had close games against them. They're a great side who had a good win in the weekend.''
The Highlanders will travel to Canberra tomorrow, flying to Sydney and then catching another flight to Canberra.
Usually, the side buses from Sydney. However, it will bus back to Sydney on Saturday night straight after the game.
Sitting 15th on the table, there is a sniff of desperation within the southern franchise.
It knows a couple more losses and it would be, if not done, then close to it.
''This is week five ... but without doubt we can get our season up and running and be where we want to be.''
The side won only one of its opening four games, beating the Blues in Auckland while losing at home to the Chiefs and Crusaders and falling 41-15 last Saturday to the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Hammett said the team had to move on from those games and learn from them.
''Every game, we prepare to win the game. We don't go and think it would be nice to win two out of four or three out of four. Of course, we want to win all of them. There is no doubt in the wash-up points are important and so are bonus points.
''But that part is gone and we can't do much about it now. We have got to focus firmly on the future.''
''The positives to come was ... the game plan, the intent , the detail was all on track so there is not an issue there. There are no glaring issues ... it was more around execution, the skills set and playing for the 80 minutes.''
None of the main players injured is likely to be back although winger Patrick Osborne is getting back to full fitness and hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate is a chance to get a call-up.
Malakai Fekitoa and Fletcher Smith, who both left the field after head knocks on Saturday, are expected to be fit for the match on Saturday night.