"The Hurricanes will struggle up front. Their set-piece is a cause for concern. They’ll have to front up if they stand a chance."
We've heard it all before, but this week at least, that's not a fair rhetoric.
Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree says he's put a fair bit of pressure on scrum coach Dan Cron and the pack leaders to perform.
The rallying cry came after a series of painful displays, including when these two sides met earlier in the season, when the Highlanders completely dominated up front.
But don't go into tomorrow night's match expecting a repeat.
For the last few weeks the black and gold pack have heeded Plumtree's call, and fronted up.
They went toe-to-toe with the Stormers, before surprising many with a dominant second half against the Crusaders' Rolls Royce pack last weekend.
But one big difference between their round four clash and Friday night – literally – is the 118kg frame of new lock Kane Le'aupepe.
No, a new lock plucked from the Bay of Plenty [who's spent less than two weeks in camp] can't be expected to play a match-winning cameo.
But compared to Liam Mitchell [who's effort and work-rate have been outstanding] Le'aupepe's extra 18kgs in the second row could well play its part.
Hurricanes scrum coach Dan Cron told 1NEWS a few weeks ago that while pack weight isn't everything, it certainly helps.
Couple that with a fit and healthy Ben May in the front row, and a 31kg advantage in the reserve front-three – and that tight five battle may well be just that, tight.
That's why the pressure and onus this week has to be on the Hurricanes' backs.
Even accounting injuries, that back line has more than enough firepower, and All Blacks, to cause some serious damage.
A growing injury list certainly hasn't helped their cause.
The Canes have opted to name just two backs on the bench for their Highlanders clash in Dunedin on Friday. (Source: Other)
Ultra-utility back Jordie Barrett's been forced to play four different positions this season already, TJ Perenara's covered first-five, and for the second week running, there's only two backs on the bench.
It may not quite be the pointy end of the season, but tomorrow night is a huge match for both sides.
The Highlanders are desperately struggling to find some form, and with no Aaron Smith or Waisake Naholo, their quest won't be made any easier.
While the Hurricanes are just desperate to right the wrongs of last week, and again show their pack isn't here to be pushed around.
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