The South Africans are nothing if not blunt.
They have played the same way for what now seems like an eternity and it is not likely to change at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.
Big tough men up front, who will not lie down and will happily bring out the rolling maul all game. Backs who will run hard and chase kicks all night. It is a simple plan.
The Highlanders will have to combat that and put plenty on the paddock themselves in what looms as a key game for both teams.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said his side had to be accurate all game and dictate its own style.
''I think their rolling maul has got better from previous years. They have got control with their maul.
"Technically, we have got to be on the money but also our attitude has to be there and we have to meet them front on.
''You do not beat them in the rolling maul but you have to stop it. We have got our style in the game and we will try to play that and back our ability.
"But generally we only get half the ball and the other half we are going to have to work hard.''
One of the tactics the Highlanders could look at is to not kick the ball out so often.
The Bulls have two world-class locks, and seeing a hug between Eric Watson and Sir Owen Glenn is more likely than grabbing a lineout steal off the Bulls.
Joseph acknowledged keeping the ball in play rather than over the touchline was one option but it was easier said than done.
''You can't expect 15 guys to be running all over the field like chickens at the stadium. It is fast enough as it is.
''There will be times we will be kicking for touch so we will have to defend the rolling maul. Then there are opportunities to arise and look at the counter-attack. We have always been a good counter-attacking team.''
With plenty of teams all crowded around the ladder, and the two New Zealand teams just above the Highlanders - the Blues and Hurricanes - both having a bye, a win tonight will do plenty for both the Highlanders' confidence and their position on the competition ladder.
They go into the bye next week, and then head off to South Africa, so a victory will make it a more enjoyable next few days.
''We play four South African teams in the next four matches. It is like a wee mini season. We have to do well against these teams. They play different rugby and we have to adjust to that.''
The Highlanders tight five will be severely examined tonight and the experience of Brad Thorn and prop Chris King, who will play his 98th game for the Highlanders, will be vital.
The Bulls won the last encounter between these sides in Pretoria last year but before that the Highlanders had won three from four.
Lima Sopoaga is kicking at an 85% success rate and he will want to continue that.
In a tight game, goal kicking is going to be very important.
