When you head to the high veldt and Pretoria to face the Bulls, then the agenda is going to be pretty clear.
It is going to be about the set piece and kicking. And the rolling, rolling, rolling maul.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said the Bulls were the best South African team in the competition and facing them this weekend was undoubtedly going to be a huge challenge for his side.
''They play a very structured game which has not changed for a few years,'' Joseph said from South Africa yesterday.
''They are a very confident team when they play at Loftus and have a strong set piece backed by a kicking game though Morne Steyn, who seems to be able to kick anything from anywhere.
''So discipline has to be absolutely crucial. We have to play a game which does not suit them.''
Joseph said most New Zealand sides attempted to take on the Bulls by using a wide game, but the reality was they also had to be met up front.
''We can't afford to get into a mindset of always looking to go wide. We have to take them on in the forwards, which is going to be a huge challenge for the team. But it is something the guys are really looking forward to.''
Last week, against the Kings, the Highlanders conceded two tries from rolling mauls and that is the big weapon in the Bulls' armoury.
Joseph received an email yesterday from referees manager Lyndon Bray - sent to all coaches - about the legalities of the rolling maul.
He said it outlined the legal ways to approach a rolling maul on both attack and defence.
When asked if he was surprised to get the email, Joseph said he was surprised it arrived after round 13. He said he would wait until after the game, refereed by South African Jaco Peyper, to see if the rolling maul legalities had been sorted out.
''Against the Sharks we managed to stop them scoring from a rolling maul, yet against the Chiefs the week before they managed to score two tries.
''Last week, against the Kings, they scored two tries against us with a slightly different approach, throwing a few backs in there.
''It is a big play for South African teams and most teams are struggling against it. We will give ourselves every chance against it, but you have to be very technically accurate to do that.''
Highlanders lock Josh Bekhuis will miss the game after popping an AC joint in the match against the Kings.
Skipper Andrew Hore suffered a stinger to a shoulder but should be right to play, while Aaron Smith had a cut to a calf at training but he should still front for the game. The team will be named today.
The Highlanders have relaxed a bit more this week, having a couple of days at Port Elizabeth after the Kings game, while a few of the side have been out hunting. A trip to a rifle range was also on the itinerary.
The side will fly to Perth on Monday to start preparing for the match against the Force.
The Bulls are rested after a week off with a bye and have named a powerful side. Captain Pierre Spies will play his 100th game for the Bulls at this level, while Steyn will become the most capped Bull in Super rugby when he plays his 117th game.
Bulls v Highlanders
Pretoria, Sunday 3.05am
Bulls: Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Lional Mapoe, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Pierre Spies (captain), Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Juandre Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Frik Kirsten, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Morne Mellet. Reserves: Callie Visagie, Werner Kruger, Grant Hattingh, Arno Botha, Jano Vermaak, Louis Fouche, Bjorn Basson.
