Schwalger (32) will be on the bench tonight for the Highlanders against the Cheetahs, looking to make an impact when he gets on to the paddock.
"I would like to start - everyone would - but I'll try to contribute as much as I can when I come on. That is what this team is about," he said.
"The culture down here that Jamie [coach Jamie Joseph] and the guys have developed is the key. Everyone wants to play for each other.
"I was here in 2005 and it has completely changed. There are a few faces the same but there is a real good team spirit here."
Schwalger, the captain of Manu Samoa, dislocated his shoulder in the first pre-season game, and missed the first couple of rounds.
"I really should have it operated on but I haven't got enough time for that at the moment. I'll have to wait to the end of the season."
Schwalger took the long road to the Highlanders this season.
This time last year he was playing for Sale in the English premiership, living in rainy Manchester.
"I wanted to come back. It rains a lot over there, too cold, and I wanted to get back to New Zealand."
Taranaki coach Colin Cooper, who had coached him when he played for the Hurricanes in 2007, got in touch when the Taranaki starting hooker went down, and Schwalger quickly flew to New Plymouth.
He impressed aand was picked up by the Highlanders.
"I missed the rugby back home. It's a lot quicker here. Over there, it's always raining and that makes the rugby different."
Schwalger has a big season in front of him, leading Samoa at the World Cup, but he said for now he was simply concentrating on playing as well as he could for the Highlanders.
His wife Molly and daughter Stefamee (10) had settled well in Dunedin. His daughter is attending Arthur Street School.
The Cheetahs were dangerous opponents, he said.
"They are a really good team. The last game, in the last 20 minutes they put a few points on. We can't afford to take them lightly. We need to watch them the whole game."
The Cheetahs have the element of surprise and were good enough to beat an off-colour Waratahs outfit last month, for their only win so far.
They have some skills on attack with big second five-eighth Crone Uys and lively fullback Riaan Viljeon, while halfback Sarel Pretorious is quick out of the blocks. Twins Robert and Sias Eberson have plenty of promise in the backline but are still young.
They have been plagued by too many little errors and have lacked confidence at key times.
Motivation may be their big issue, as they head back to South Africa after this match and may have thoughts of home comforts.
The Highlanders need need to improve continuity and be accurate at the set piece than they were last week
Highlanders v Cheetahs
Venue: Carisbrook
Time: 7.35pm tonight
Referee: Nathan Pearce (Australia)
Odds: Highlanders $1.20, Cheetahs $4.25
PREVIOUS MATCHES
- 2010: Bloemfontein, 31-24, Highlanders
- 2009: Dunedin, 32-8, Highlanders
- 2008: Bloemfontein, 31-28, Highlanders
- 2007: Invercargill, 21-17, Highlanders
- 2006: Bloemfontein, 17-12, Highlanders
