That word desperate has been thrown around a lot this week as the Highlanders get ready to take on the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.
Both sides are going to be, let us say, more than keen for a win.
The Chiefs are parked in last-chance saloon and, with six games left, are going to have to do something pretty stunning to make the playoffs.
They lost heavily to the Hurricanes last weekend and have injuries to key players.
The Highlanders are also keen to get on a run of victories.
After a poor first half of the competition, the past two weeks have had the players smiling with a couple of victories. They now sit in the playoff picture, although only just, in eighth position.
Last weekend against the Sunwolves the side notched its biggest win in franchise history, 52-0, and things seemed to click for the men in green.
The side was taking the chances that came along, which had been a real issue throughout the season.
More work on the training field had undoubtedly led to the successful conversion of chances but the feathers are not going to be so easy to pluck tonight.
The intensity of the Sunwolves' defence last week was well below the expected standard and the Chiefs will not allow such latitude.
Highlanders co-captain Ben Smith said the side had gained confidence from the two victories but wins were always going to come.
"I think we just kept the trust in what we were doing. Even in the games we were losing we were not that far away and we knew if we could fix the back end of games and finish games off, we would come right," Smith said.
"We know they are going to be hungry and it is a desperate game for them. We need to be desperate too ... but still trust in what we can deliver. That is what we have been working on this week. Just making sure we work through the process of our week."
Smith had last week off with an enforced All Black rest and said the side seemed to enjoy the trip to Japan.
"For me it is about making sure I can add energy when I come back in. Make the most of that week off.
"I think as players we never like missing games. But it is about the bigger picture and we understand that and it is just the way it is."
Smith is the only new face to the side which won over the Sunwolves - Matt Faddes has moved to the wing.
The Chiefs lost to the Highlanders in the first game of the season mid-February but have won only one fewer game than the Highlanders.
They have plenty of injured players but from those left standing, they have put out their best line-up.
Quality players such as Anton Lienert-Brown and Lachlan Boshier will lead the Chiefs, while halfback Brad Weber is in good form.
Super Rugby
Forsyth Barr Stadium, today, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Matt Faddes, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Josh Ioane, Aaron Smith, Elliot Dixon, James Lentjes, Luke Whitelock (co-captain), Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ash Dickson, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Josh McKay, Sio Tomkinson.
Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Sean Wainui, Tumua Manu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Tyler Ardron, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Brown, Michael Allardice (captain), Nepo Laulala, Nathan Harris, Atu Moli. Reserves: Liam Polwart, Ryan Coxon, Angus Ta’avao, Jesse Parete, Taleni Seu, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shaun Stevenson, Bailyn Sullivan.
Referee: Mike Fraser