None more so than Otago coach Steve Martin, whose side needs to win its Air New Zealand Cup match against Taranaki in New Plymouth tonight.
Otago has been guilty in recent years of failing to string victories together.
Over the past three seasons, only twice has it managed to follow one win with another.
The team needs a continuation of the the form it showed last weekend against Bay of Plenty if it is to log another victory tonight.
Tight defence, a good set-piece and backs running hard and creating chances were the keys to last week's success, and Otago will be looking for more of the same tonight. Martin said the side did not do much different in last week's game from what it had been doing all season but the points had come its way.
"We had the right attitude going into our game last week and that told in the way we played. But it was not a lot different than what we have been playing for the whole season," Martin said.
"But we got the rewards last week and want to keep that up this week.
"There is a lot more confidence in the squad this week and the guys now know what they are capable of."
Martin said momentum generated last week needed to continue.
The side was viewing the remaining five games as a mini-season, and had started well with the win last week.
He said any talk of making the semifinals had been put to one side, as with so many teams still in contention, it was impossible to predict what needed to be done.
Otago has been boosted by the return of All Black Adam Thomson and has a potentially explosive loose forward trio, which will be backed up by a solid tight five.
Behind them, the backs will look for more opportunities and to provide tight defence.
Charlie Hore retains his place in the side at second five-eighth, and Martin said Hore's experience made a significant difference to the team.
"Charlie was calm and level-headed and that made a real difference to those inside him and out. It's not just what has happened out on the field, but what he's been doing off the field."
Taranaki sits one point and one place ahead of Otago and, like Otago, has had a mixed season.
It has lost its past two games, though last week's loss to Waikato was a narrow one.
The side has had controversy this week, with five players stood down for tonight's game after a late-night drinking session and allegations of offensive behaviour.
The Daily News reported yesterday five players - Ed Jenkins, Ace Malo, Chris Walker, Jarrod Hoeata and Beydon Phillips - were believed to have turned up drunk for the team's Saturday morning pool session, the night after the Waikato match.
They were asked to leave the pool complex and it was also alleged four of the players later turned up intoxicated at the New Plymouth race course.
Jenkins, a wing, and Hoeata, a No 8, have been regular starters for the side this year. The other three are regular bench players.
The suspensions have resulted in changes, with Johnny Willis switching to the openside flank, and Ben Souness going to No 8.
Nathan Hohaia takes the place of Jenkins on the wing, and the bench includes some new players.
Despite the suspensions, the loss of players may galvanise the side.
It still has key players such as lock Craig Clarke and second five-eighth Jayden Hayward, and wing Shayne Austin is a player who can turn the course of a match.
Showers are forecast for New Plymouth tonight, and the ground is expected to be greasy.
• Otago v Taranaki
New Plymouth, tonight, 7.35pm
TAB odds: Taranaki $1.35, Otago $2.35
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (Bay of Plenty)
Otago: Ben Smith, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Charlie Hore, Ryan Shortland, Glenn Dickson, Sean Romans, Adam Thomson, Alando Soakai (captain), Eben Joubert, Tom Donnelly, Hayden Triggs, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Ben Nolan.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws, Hoani Matenga, Paul Grant, Fraser Lau, Michael Witt, Andrew Parata.
Taranaki: Jack Cameron, Nathan Hohaia, Paul Perez, Jayden Hayward, Shayne Austin, Willie Ripia, Brett Goodin, Ben Souness, Johnny Willis, Jason Eaton, Craig Clarke, Leon Power, Michael Bent, Laurence Corlett, Tony Penn (captain).
Reserves: James Hinchco, Carl Carmichael, Nemia Soqeta, Timo Tutavaha, Kaylem O'Donnell, Isiaiah Tuifua, Esera Lauina.
