"After the first couple of rucks nobody will care where anyone is from. They are the Highlanders and we are the Hurricanes, that's that ... it won't worry us."
Despite this, Plumtree was quick to point out Magpies lock Mark Abbott was on the Canes subs bench and All Blacks prop Ben Franks and winger Cory Jane were former Magpies.
"It's a really good opportunity for us to turn the tables on the Canes," Dixon said.
"Last time it was pretty close for 50-odd minutes and then they got away on us," he said, referring to the Canes' 20-13 win on March 20.
"We know it's going to be a really big challenge ... the Canes are the top team in the comp for a reason."
A Hurricanes substitute when the Wellington-based outfit last played in Napier, a 25-20 win against the Bulls last year, Dixon knows how much the likes of Canes hooker Dane Coles and lock Jeremy Thrush will be hurting in the wake of last weekend's 35-18 loss to the Crusaders.
"They will come out big time and bring some heat."
The 26-year-old veteran of 54 first-class games for the Magpies, Dixon could earn Maori All Blacks selection for the third consecutive season if he continues to shine during the business end of the Super season. But he isn't looking that far ahead.
"If that opportunity comes I will grab it with both hands. But my immediate focus is to help the Highlanders secure a home final. Hopefully Hawke's Bay fans will boost our chances this week ... McLean Park is our home ground and Hawke's Bay is where we live," Dixon said.
The two-time world age-group champion agreed Joseph's decision to rest his three All Blacks stars, halfback Aaron Smith, fullback Ben Smith and centre Malakai Feikitoa, would add to the challenge.
"Our game plan revolves around them but this is a chance for other guys to prove themselves. We have enough good guys coming through ... we just have to back each other and trust our systems."
For Evans, 23, the Highlanders will be the fifth team he has represented on McLean Park. The Magpies, Otago, Havelock North and Napier Boys' High School are the others.
Powerful on the carry and destructive on defence, Evans has scored three tries to date for the Highlanders. Should he continue recent form, Evans could find himself pulling on a Barbarians jersey for the July fixture against the Maori All Blacks at Eden Park.
"I'm just focusing on doing what I can for the Highlanders and hopefully we can get a home playoff. If Barbarians selection happens, I will turn my attention to that at the appropriate time," Evans said.
Former Hurricane Edmonds, 24, has been outstanding in starting and substitute roles for the Highlanders this season. It will be a surprise if he doesn't gain Maori All Blacks selection for a second consecutive year.
"I'm aiming for the No1 jersey for that side. But Highlanders commitments come first and the McLean Park match is next ... I'm excited to be able to play in front of family and friends.
"This week's game is going to be a good grudge match ... hopefully we can get a bit of revenge," Edmonds said.
"To beat them we're going to have to beat them up and that starts with us frontrowers."
