The side had the bye in the opening round last week and is set to take on the Sharks tonight at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
It will be the first game in charge for new captain Lentjes.
"We have done all the hard work without playing, so now it is time to play. Time to get into a routine and have some fun," Lentjes said.
He was not too nervous being made captain and though it was important to win every game, a win first up would be a nice way to start, he said.
"Winning obviously helps in the team environment, especially with a new team. Plus for us it is a home game and you want to win all your home games. We love playing in the stadium so want to win here."
The side went to Alexandra last week to train, along with doing some team bonding.
"We did a bit of walking up the hills and carrying a few items up there. When you go to a dark place, and somewhere different, it is out of your comfort zone — what you do day to day. You learn a bit about each other. Some boys give that encouragement — some thrive in those environments and love it."
The pre-season, where the side lost both its games, was something to learn from and to stay concentrated for 80 minutes, Lentjes said.
The side had plenty of potential and the backline lots of talent and he was looking forward to watching them score tries.
Meanwhile, prop Ayden Johnstone is looking to grow his game in his second season.
"I’m looking forward to ripping in. I was injured in the Mire 10 Cup — I think it was round 2 — so I have done a bit of sitting around," he said.
He wanted to become more of a ball carrier and get quicker on defence.
The second season should help with confidence but nothing came easy.
"You have played with these guys and played at this level. But I do not think it changes too much and in the way you prep. You probably have to prep even more — there is an expectation there."
The Waikato man, who has started an electrical apprenticeship, started as a No8 before moving into the front row.
"I was just too slow and unfit to go back there anymore. Every good front-rower will tell you they were a No8."
Highlanders v Sharks
Forsyth Barr Stadium, today, 7.05pm
Highlanders: Josh McKay, Tima Faiga'anuku, Rob Thompson, Josh Ioane, Jona Nareki, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Marino Mikaele Tu'u, James Lentjes (captain), Dillon Hunt, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Jesse Parete, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Michael Collins, Teariki Ben-Nicholas.
Sharks: Aphelele Fassi, Madosh Tambwe, Lukhanyo Am (captain), Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Curwin Bosch, Louis Schreuder, Sikumbuzo Notshe, Tyler Paul, James Venter, Hyron Andrew, Ruben van Heerden, Thomas du Toit, Kerron van Vuuren, Ox Niche. Reserves: Craig Burden, Juan Schoeman, John-Hubert Meyer, Le Roux Roets, Henco Venter, Sanele Nohamba, Boeta Chamberlain, Jeremy Ward.
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia).