Counties-Manukau coach Tana Umaga admits it is not "just another game" when his side faces Otago in the ITM Cup championship final in Pukekohe tonight.
Umaga, the former All Black captain who is in his first year as Counties head coach, said his players had to be aware the match would bring added pressure.
"We can talk about it being just another game but there is a lot of added interest from everyone else.
"Instead of one guy from the local paper calling me, I'm getting lots more calls," he said.
"So we have to understand there are a lot of outside influences and for me it is good for our younger players to have this as it is another part of their rugby education.
"But what counts is what we do at training and the way we prepare for the game."
Counties-Manukau was the top qualifier in the championship and led the table for all but the first couple of weeks of the season.
Umaga said it was exciting being in a final. He had no issue with Otago being able to field its three All Blacks.
"If you have those sort of players in your union, of course you should play them. We haven't got any All Blacks so we don't have that issue. But to our young guys, we look at it as an opportunity to play against that calibre of player.
"Players want to challenge themselves against some of the best players in the country and that is what they are doing."
Umaga said although his side had some young faces, many of the players were benefiting by having another year at ITM Cup level.
"Guys are a year older and a lot of them have now played a bit of ITM Cup rugby and have matured. They just may have that little bit more self-belief. Just the fact they can get out there and play and compete against the bigger unions."
Umaga was enjoying his role as head coach, although he admitted it was easier having players who were prepared to listen. Winning also helped.
But he was looking forward to a break after the final.
"It feels like a long season. Even though it is in a shortened window we have crammed so much into it. We have been battling on week to week, much like Otago. Now, we just have one more 80 minutes to go."
