The best against the best.
The competition's best forward pack takes on the competition's best backline.
That may be what most pundits are thinking of tonight's match between the Highlanders and the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
But it is the guys who do not get the limelight who will ultimately have the most impact on the contest.
The much underrated Highlanders tight five will have to match up against a Crusaders engine room that has been dismantling many packs in this competition.
Highlander coach Jamie Joseph recognises the power and the dominance of a Crusaders forward pack that contains seven All Blacks.
"In every sport, everyone wants to put yourself up against the best in the business and we are playing seven guys who are the best in the business because they are our national players,'' he said.
"What better challenge can you have as a footy player ... [but to] put yourselves up against those guys. That is the key challenge as a team - if we can match those guys up front, then we have got a backline that can do a bit.''
The Highlanders have had plenty of examination up front over the past couple of weeks and have come on top both times.
They got the better of the Brumbies and the Chiefs and are now looking to complete a hat-trick of wins before going into the bye next week.
Joseph admits the two victories have livened up the team and there is a good buzz around the outfit.
"There is a spring back in the step of the majority of the guys. Obviously, the players who are not getting a run are still a little bit down going into round 12. But some key guys are back. Liam Squire coming back into the side will give us a real boost and Waisake [Naholo] has obviously helped.''
The match has all the makings of a riveting watch with speed and dash all over the park.
But these things sometimes come back to the basics.
The lineout and scrum. Handling and possession.
The Highlanders benefited greatly last week from some poor Chiefs ball security and the Crusaders are unlikely to be as generous.
The last two games have taken a bit out of the Highlanders and a shorter turnaround than the Crusaders could play a part tonight.
Joseph confirmed that despite having the bye next week, the side would train as usual.
It does not play next week.
It then takes on the Hurricanes on May 27 before taking a break for the international test window in June.
Joseph confirmed Josh Renton had ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and was out for the season.
A replacement was yet to be named.
He also praised lock Joe Wheeler, who will play his 50th game of Super rugby tonight.
He played four games for the Crusaders and the rest for the Highlanders.
"Not many players are able to be a character like Joe and still be a serious tight five player. I take my hat off to him.
"In the early days I thought he is really compromising himself as a player, but he has managed to get that balance right on. He has been one of our best players while in Dunedin and has also been one of our funniest players, who is crucial for our team culture.''
