Trying to live up to those who have gone before you.
Having your voice heard when it often gets drowned out.
Young Luke Whitelock, though, has his chance now to make an impact.
Whitelock, the youngest of four brothers who have all played Super rugby, starts at No8 for the Highlanders in the side's battle against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Whitelock had been second choice at No8 behind Liam Squire but with the Tasman loose forward crying off with a hip injury, the youngest man off the Feilding farm gets his chance.
Whitelock (25) started against the Reds but had a disappointing performance and has missed the past two games.
He said the competition for places was intense so players had to be on their game when they got the opportunity.
"There is a lot of competition among the loose forwards. It is only healthy for the team having everyone round. But if guys get injured, then there is always someone ready to come in,'' he said.
"At the end of the day you just have to perform to earn the right to play.''
Whitelock said he was pleased with some parts of the game while others needed to make progress.
"Some parts of the season have been pretty good. Other parts you look to improve. Getting the ball in hand is a big one. Just doing your role in the team.''
The Chiefs' loose forwards were performing well but it was more of a team game than individual one-on-one battles.
Playing as a team was the way to win the battle.
Whitelock is a Highlanders new boy, having joined the franchise from the Crusaders, where he made his debut in 2012.
He said there was plenty to admire about the Highlanders franchise.
"I love the environment and coaching, Dunedin itself. It has been really refreshing and I have learnt a lot. I guess you get used to one thing and all of a sudden you get a refreshing outlook on things. You realise there is more than one way to skin a cat.
"There are some different things. Things are a little more relaxed down here. But there are a lot of similarities between the two franchises. But down here things are more chilled out. They work bloody hard down here during the week and work hard for each other.''
The youngest Whitelock said he does not hear much from his older brothers. He sometimes discussed parts of the game with them but not that often.
The brothers were now spread around. George had retired to a farm in Manawatu, Adam was in France playing and Sam was still trucking along for the Crusaders.
The family will be watching tonight in what is looming as an exciting contest.
It is the defending champion against the competition leader.
The Chiefs have been the form side all year and have the tenacity to win games in any style.
The match is bound to be one of plenty of movement but the key to the Highlanders will be their ability to shut down the attacking threats of the Chiefs' backs.
The Highlanders have named a very attacking backline and have plenty of match-winners on the park.
But, as in any game, the trick is to win the battle up front and then let the men out wide loose.
Winger Waisake Naholo will be welcomed back but it is still early days for him, coming back from a broken leg.
The Highlanders won all three contests with the Chiefs last year so that should give them some confidence.
The weather was forecast to be fine in Hamilton tonight.