The Crusaders, and their supporters, will head to Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight knowing they are very much in the playoff hunt.
But one place above them on a crowded table are the Highlanders, and it is a game - though there is still plenty of rugby to be played - which will have plenty of impact on the destiny of each side's season.
The Highlanders, backing up after a heroic defensive display against the Hurricanes, know they will have to attack tonight if they are to win.
Playing under the roof, a simple kick-and-chase game will not be enough to come away with the points.
The Highlanders will be seeking to move the ball and find some holes in a Crusaders side which was looking ominous before a disappointing effort last week.
The Christchurch-based side had gone on a five-game unbeaten run but it ended abruptly last week with a 30-25 loss to the Sharks.
That defeat has done the Highlanders no favours, and Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has responded by dropping his All Black front row to the bench.
Highlanders loose forward Elliot Dixon, who has mirrored the team in its growth this year, said his side would have to be on its game tonight against a hurting Crusaders team.
''Against the Crusaders, it is going to be another step up in intensity. I think everyone is going to have to step up,'' he said.
''They are coming off a shock loss to 14 men so they are wanting to bounce back.''
Dixon said it was good to be thinking about critical games and playoffs as opposed to last year, when the Highlanders lost their first eight games and never come into finals contention.
''Week nine and you have not won a game - it was a bit miserable. There were a lot of fingers pointed. This year it is a lot more fun.
''Everyone is pitching in and having a bit of fun. Everyone was a bit ticked off about last year and wanted to come back and prove the critics wrong. Now there is more balance on and off the field.''
Dixon (24) had a tough first three years with the Highlanders, battling with injury.
But this year he is getting game time, staying on the field and starting to look accustomed in the blindside flanker role.
''Fingers crossed, touch wood, the injuries will stay away. But it is just about being a bit smarter, around our gym sessions and trainings. Our trainings have a lot of time to stretch, a lot of time to warm-up and things like that. I think that is showing.''
Dixon, who is not yet contracted for next year, said the blindside role was a lot more defensive than No 8, which was a more confrontational role.
Dixon's battle with the likes of Jordan Taufua and Richie McCaw will go a long way in deciding the match.
The Highlanders welcome back Lima Sopoaga and Patrick Osborne and both have the potential to break the game open.
There is likely to be little between the sides and it will be a physical, rugged encounter. Often, these games come down to one mistake, one oversight, which lets in a game-changing play.
The Highlanders played a smart, mistake-free game last week to win and must do that again.
A try or two would not go amiss from the home team, although with both sides looking strong on defence in recent weeks, five-pointers may be rarer than hens' teeth.
