Naholo, the flying Highlanders and All Black winger, will start on his favourite right wing tonight for the southern franchise against the British and Irish Lions in front of a packed Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Naholo, who was named in the All Black squad last week, and may play a part in the test against Samoa on Friday night at Eden Park, is not getting ahead of himself.
The focus for now is front and centre on the Highlanders and the test series is for tomorrow.
"[Playing here] it is as important as playing for the All Blacks. I love playing for the Highlanders so this is important for me," he said.
"I just want to get out there and give my everything for the Highlanders. Just focused on playing for that."
Naholo (26) has been in hot form, scoring a couple of eye-catching tries for the Highlanders in the last game out against the Crusaders.
He will be looking for the ball tonight but he will also have to be adept under the high ball, a tactic which is bound to be used by the Lions.
"We saw that in our last game out. So, yeah, we have been practising them and trying hard. We do a lot of hard balls as well. It is part of our practice."
The Highlanders use a large padded suit, hanging off a player, so players can jump in the air to catch the high ball.
"Our scrum coach [Clarke Dermody] wears it as he is pretty strong. It makes a difference as you do get contact in the air.
"Sometimes you do get knocked when you are in the air. But getting in the air, you kind of get used to getting knocked."
Naholo said he was happy with his form. He now just wants to go out and make a statement tonight before heading to Auckland tomorrow.
Highlanders fullback Richard Buckman took a limited part at training yesterday afternoon as he had a slight stomach issue. But he should be right for the match.
The Highlanders will present a special challenge to the Lions before the game but it will not be a haka.
It has been a tightly guarded secret and has been said to reflect the region the franchise represents.