Force captain Nathan Sharpe admits his side was slow out of the blocks this season but is starting to show a bit of consistency.
Sharpe and his team-mates arrived in Queenstown on Thursday, after travelling through the night.
Spirits had been lifted in the team, after its first win of the season last week, a win over the Stormers 16-15, thanks to a last-minute dropped goal by veteran first five-eighth David Hill.
"I think we lost a big chunk of players early on, which did hurt. Then it took a while for us to adapt to the new rules. But our last three performances we have shown a bit more consistency," Sharpe said.
"The thing is in this competition that any team can beat the other on their day. That makes it more exciting but means you have to be on your game every week."
The side has lost key players from last year, with Matt Giteau returning to the Brumbies and a couple of key forwards moving on.
But Sharpe remains, still shoring up the engine room, while loose forwards Richard Brown and David Pocock have returned from injury over the past couple of weeks.
Most importantly, former All Black and Chiefs first five-eighth David Hill has joined the side from Japan, to give the team a bit of direction.
His worth has not been overlooked by Sharpe.
"Initially, we tried some options there but it is good to have someone like David in that position. You really need a specialist there, who knows what to do. He has made a big difference."
Sharpe said the side was excited to be playing a day game, and hoped the weather was fine, so it move the ball round.
The Force will stay in Queenstown until next Wednesday before they leaving for Auckland, to play the Blues next Saturday.
