At the tail end of a season in which their results have overshadowed their effort, the Highlanders face the next-best thing to a must-win game when they play the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Both sides have long given up any hope of a finish in the top half of the table and both are desperate to stay clear of the bottom-placed Lions.
The team that wins this game will have a chance to finish 11th or 12th; the team that loses will be 13th or 14th and likely get to reflect on a dismal campaign of one win and 12 losses.
"We think this is a week where we almost have to have a test-match mentality,'' Moore told the Otago Daily Times from Africa.
"The Cheetahs are in a similar situation to us. They'll be just as hungry as we will, and the game will certainly have a bearing on where we finish on the log.
"It's particularly important for us, I think. But I'm expecting nothing less than an intense game.
"I can't say we need more grit or more effort. In all the games this year, apart from perhaps the Bulls game, we've shown a lot of heart and character.
"This week has to be about being smart and playing a clever territory game.''
It will be an odd feeling for the Highlanders, who will not be considered rank underdogs for one of the few times this season.
There is no doubt they are good enough to beat the Cheetahs, although they are also not in any position to expect to be able to sail into Vodacom Park and take away the points.
The Highlanders traditionally do well on their African tour but this trip has been poor. They have taken no points from losses to the Bulls and the Stormers, and a third consecutive defeat in Bloemfontein would be spirit-crushing.
Moore does not expect a dour bun fight, even though both teams are anxious to win at all costs.
"There are probably some similarities there in how we play. The Cheetahs have a tendency to play a very expansive type of game and they've shown that ability all year".
"When it works for them, they can score some good tries. But it means they've conceded quite a few as well. I think you'll see both teams trying to attack.''
The Highlanders have been no worse hit than other teams by injuries but, given their relative lack of depth, they have probably been affected more.
First-choice loose forwards Steven Setephano and Alando Soakai are out of the Cheetahs game, as are first fives Daniel Bowden and James Wilson. That has put extra pressure on the rest of the squad.
"It's pretty tough to see some of our guys go home. We've also had a few laid low with a tummy bug and some of them are still battling a bit,'' Moore said.
"The plus side is you bring in some fresh guys and they can make an impact. And the guys who have gone home will hopefully recover and be fresh in time for the Blues game.
"I suppose it can sap morale a bit, but it depends on how you play that card. Maybe it can be used as motivation, as well. When the going gets tough, maybe our guys will dig deep and spare a thought for their team-mates who... have had to go home.''
Moore really needs someone in his team to step up tomorrow. It might be Mike Delany with a clutch kick, Fetu'u Vainikolo with a spectacular try, Hoani MacDonald with a line-out steal, or Tim Boys with a covering tackle.
Too often, the Highlanders have looked like rabbits in a headlight this season. They need to forget their dismal record, step up and win this game.
Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske has retained the same side that was beaten 38-10 by the Hurricanes last weekend.
His side has one or two more star names than Moore's. Captain Juan Smith is an experienced and influential Springbok, and CJ van der Linde has proven in 48 tests he is one of the best tighthead props around.
The backs are tradesmanlike, though the Highlanders must be wary of nippy halfback Falie Oelschig and dangerous winger Jongi Nokwe.
