With seven new faces in the starting line-up for the opening pre-season match against the Brumbies in Queenstown tomorrow evening, and more newbies on the bench, coach Jamie Joseph is probably wondering the same thing.
But what he does know is that everybody has ''trained extremely well'' and ''adapted to the required intensity''.
''All we need now is a really tough game, which we'll get from the Brumbies,'' Joseph said yesterday.
''By the way we are training, we're all confident the boys will get out there and perform. Pre-season games, the first game especially, are always a bit messy. But fitness levels and strength levels are really good but the combinations aren't there, because no-one has played a game. But it is the same for both sides.''
Wallabies flanker David Pocock will captain the Brumbies side which also includes fellow international Pat McCabe and experienced midfielder Clyde Rathbone. The tourists arrive in Queenstown this morning.
Joseph is less concerned about the outcome of the game than he is the type of performance his side produces. Chemistry will take time but he wants to see some commitment.
''We just want to make sure that we put in a positive performance out there. If we do all the things and execute what we've been practising, then no doubt the score will follow.
''The priority is building our game plan and building our confidence and getting our feet wet, really.''
Hooker Liam Coltman will captain the Highlanders in the absence of co-captains Ben Smith and Nasi Manu. Manu is out for four to six weeks with a pectoral injury and Smith has just got back into training after a busy international season and will not be considered for selection until the Highlanders' pre-season match against the Waratahs, in Newcastle on February 14.
Joseph sees long-term leadership potential in Coltman, a player on the rise.
''He has natural leadership qualities and what I mean by that is he leads by example. He only says things that he is willing to do himself ... and he has the respect of his peers. But at the end of the day, he will be measured by how he plays.''
Joseph described Manu's injury as ''not good, but not super bad either''.
''He has a slight tear in his pec. He did that during a bench press. It is an unusual injury for a rugby player. We hope to have him back for the Blues game.''
The Highlanders open their Super rugby campaign against the Blues on February 22, at Forsyth Barr Stadium.