Highlanders face test of composure

It is just another game - but then again, it is not.

Trying to find the blend between the two is what the Highlanders need to do tonight.

Play as well as they did in the regular season and also lift it a level to acknowledge it is playoff time. Sounds simple, really, but if only it was - and there are 23 Chiefs who want to do the same.

Highlanders co-captain Ben Smith said the performance tonight came down to getting things right at the right time.

"It's just about making sure our plans are really clear and how we are going to go out and play this game," he said. "There is a bit of excitment in this group. Obviously it is into knockout rugby and that is exciting in itself. Just trying to nail down the plan is a big part of this week."

Smith, who watched from the stand at Carisbrook when the Highlanders hosted their only other playoff game in 1999, is a key man for the home side. He has been in top form all season.

Many of the Highlanders' best attacking movements originate from the 29-year-old. He knows the onus is on him, but it is something he is not going to hide from.

"We'll look for opportunities. The way the game is played in the stadium, it is really fast and you look to move the ball. There are good opportunities for both teams to have a crack. It is really exciting to have the Fijian boys outside me, knowing how they are pretty dangerous. You just have to give them the ball in their hands and they're away."

The Chiefs have a completely different team than the one which put up the white flag late last month.

Liam Messam is back, as is Sonny Bill Williams. Coach Dave Rennie has gone with a massive pack and may look to put the heat on up front, hoping to swamp the Highlanders front eight at both the set piece and the breakdown.

The Highlanders must be awake to this. They got monstered up front in last year's playoff appearance and cannot afford a repeat. Smith said the side had learned from that game. " You've got to expect a massive increase in intensity. Bigger collisions. Everyone will be hungry to put their team in a good spot."