The Highlanders are sitting 11th on the table and need a win, for confidence as much as competition points, while the Chiefs have lost three in a row, and have slipped to seventh on the ladder.
"They're coming off three losses and we're sort of been there or thereabouts. But we're both sort of struggling to perform, and what better way to play this week then with two teams who, I wouldn't say are desperate, but want to perfect their game structures and put on a good performance," Cowan said.
"It should be a good spectacle. Easter weekend in the Mount and hopefully all comes to fruition. But it won't be easy up there."
Cowan said the Chiefs backline, at its best, could be lethal, and the placing of Stephen Donald at second five-eighth and Mike Delaney at first five-eighth was intriguing.
Cowan thought the Chiefs might look at having a structured kicking game and also have Donald run hard at the Highlanders inside-back combination.
Cowan said coming off a win against the Lions, the Highlanders had trained well this week, and were looking to kick on.
"That's what I said to the boys, that the win is a starting point. We've got the Force next, then the bye, followed by the Hurricanes and the Waratahs, both at home. So that is a nice wee run for us. But you don't want to look too far ahead. That is what this competition is about, taking every game week by week."
Cowan revealed his dislocated little finger on his right hand would lead to him having to wear a soft cast on it for the rest of the season. He said it did give him too much trouble, and was not sore at all.
He will face off against fellow All Black halfback Brendon Leonard, and will be keen to get one over his rival for the test jersey.
The Highlanders know they must make their tackles to have any chance against a Chiefs side which is never far away from threatening to run riot.
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has brought in Jason Shoemark to the midfield to replace Michael Hobbs. Hobbs has been hampered by a corked thigh and had only limited training this week.
Steven Setephano, who will be returning to play for Waikato in the ITM Cup later this year, will have his hands full marking the erratic Sione Lauaki.
Alando Soakai comes back into the side on the openside flank, with John Hardie moved to the bench, although a decision on whether he will take his place on the sideline will not be made until near kick off. Hardie is suffering from a medial ligament strain in his right knee.
Tim Boys will move on to the bench if Hardie is unavailable.
Chris King gets a start on the loosehead side of the scrum to replace the injured Jamie Mackintosh, while winger Fetu'u Vainikolo swaps places with James Paterson.
This will be a severe examination of the Highlanders.
They have not beaten the Chiefs since 2003, and will need to start well against a team which relies a lot on confidence.
The Chiefs are away from their traditional base of Hamilton but, considering they have lost their last two games at Waikato Stadium, a trip to the sunny Bay of Plenty may be a blessing.
Dangerous winger Sitiveni Sivivatu sits out the match with knee injury while Tanerau Latimer is also out with the same complaint. They are replaced by Dwayne Sweeney and Luke Braid respectively.
Hooker Aled de Malmanche has broken a thumb and is replaced by Hika Elliot.
