Daniel Lienert-Brown is not buying into any talk of Australian weaknesses.
The Highlanders prop has been part of a well-functioning scrum over the first month of Super Rugby.
After a strong showing in the first two weeks, that set piece received probably its toughest test of the season from an All Black-laden Crusaders pack.
"No, we’ve got to respect them,’’ he said.
"We’ve got to show them full respect across the park.
"We need to work on the areas we need to be better in this week and we’re looking to hopefully nail that on Friday."
It is an area Lienert-Brown feels the Highlanders can still improve on too.
While they had performed well in the first two weeks, he said last week’s match highlighted it still had room for improvement.
"We’re probably still not all the way there yet.
"Another few lapses in the weekend, we just had a review before.
"There were a few positives but there are definitely a few work-ons so we’ll look to keep building on that."
The respect in the set piece would extend to the rest of the game too.
The Rebels beat the Highlanders 24-19 in Melbourne last year. However, doing it in New Zealand would be a bigger task.
Prior to the last weekend Australian teams had won just once in New Zealand in their past 46 attempts — when the Rebels beat the Blues in 2018.
However, they remain dangerous and last week the Brumbies upset the previously unbeaten Chiefs 26-14 in Hamilton.
That results had not been lost on the Highlanders.
"We’ve seen in the competition already it’s a tough one," Lienert-Brown said.
"We got tipped over by the Rebels last year, so we won’t be taking any short cuts this week.
"It’s a pretty important game for us. We’re playing to win every game so it’ll all be the same this week."
Despite that the side was looking forward to returning home.
A win would be important to take momentum into the trip to South Africa which follows.
"We’re pretty excited to be here in front of our fans this week. The students are back so hopefully the Zoo’s hissing for us.
"A win at home will help us going overseas."