The Highlanders did not have to look far for inspiration this week.
Otago's favourite son, Brendon McCullum, whacking a test triple century showed them exactly what they have to do this year.
Show toughness, both physically and mentally. Take every opportunity that comes along. Do not give the opposition a sniff of a chance. Cut out the mistakes. And, most of all, put the foot on the throat when it is most needed.
Last year, - and everyone knows the sad story - there were too many brain fades, too many cracks under pressure and, of course, too many losses.
Turning those losses into wins will not be easy. Of the 13 losses last year, eight were by more than 10 points - but at least for the Highlanders, it is in their own hands.
They leaked too many soft tries last year. That must be tightened up if they are to get more wins. In the pre-season, the side has impressed on defence, although its attack has not been spectacular.
The Highlanders played a style last season of moving the ball constantly and had the most metres gained of any side in the competition.
A lot of the time, though, all they did was move the ball around and then eventually someone would drop it - all work with no reward.
This year, there will inevitably be more kicking and chasing. Tony Brown coming on board is a good move for the Highlanders, as he has some tactical nous, although Super 15 is a big step up from the ITM Cup.
The Highlanders are not overloaded with All Blacks but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
They were stacked with them last year, and look what happened. The Chiefs have shown consistent solid grafters are just as good as All Blacks who take a long time to hit peak form.
The two Smiths, Ben and Aaron, are undoubtedly key men for the Highlanders.
They need to perform while the likes of Liam Coltman, Nasi Manu (when he gets fit) and lock Josh Bekhuis need to be on song every week.
Loose forwards are vitally important at Super 15 and this is where the Highlanders' fetchers and carriers must come to the fore.
Last year, they were too slow and made too many errors.
Manu is vital as he gets across the gain line.
The opportunity is there for the likes of Gareth Evans and Shane Christie, while Elliot Dixon has to stop being a promising player and put together some consistent performances.
With eight games under the roof and two in South Africa, the team has to be quick across the ground. Last year, with an ageing pack, the lack of speed told, especially at the end of games.
Discipline is also crucial. The side had the highest number of yellow and red cards of any team last year. This simply can not be repeated.
The draw is not bad. But a draw is a draw. It cannot be changed, so the Highlanders just have to make the most of it. With five of their first seven games at home, they can get out of the blocks early.
And they need to put wins on the board as soon as possible. After last year's forgettable season, three or so losses to start the year will go down like a lead balloon with fans.
If they rack up a losing start, the fans may walk and there is nothing worse for a sporting team than an apathetic home crowd.
Coach Jamie Joseph's contract is up at the end of the season and after the carnage last season - when he gambled and lost - Joseph will need a big season to stay in charge.
To do that, the Highlanders have to win and just get better, in every way.
Highlanders team to play Auckland
Kane Hames, Liam Coltman, Chris King, Brad Thorn, Jarrad Hoeata, Gareth Evans, Shane Christie, Nasi Manu (co-captain), Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Patrick Osborne, Shaun Treeby, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Ben Smith (co-captain).
Reserves: Ged Robinson, Matias Diaz, Craig Millar, Josh Bekhuis, TJ Ioane, Fumiaki Tanaka, Hayden Parker, Phil Burleigh.
