It will be more about what happens on the field than what happens on the scoreboard in today's pre-season warm-up match between the Highlanders and the Chiefs at Carisbrook.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster said he was more interested in the play on the field than on the result, while Highlanders coach Glenn Moore said his team did want to win but getting some structure going was just as important.
The Chiefs, who are travelling to Dunedin and returning north all in one day, have assembled a squad shorn of its All Blacks, but still with some impressive backs.
In loose forward Sione Lauaki, they have probably the one player in New Zealand with the most to prove this season.
The Highlanders will want to start well in what is shaping as a big season for them.
Pre-season games can struggle for momentum and, with the game being played in quarters, there are likely to be plenty of stops and starts as players get used to the contact area again, and try to make the passes stick.
Although only a pre-season match, it is a chance for players such as Michael Hobbs, Nasi Manu and Robbie Robinson to show they can make an impact in the Highlanders jersey.
Moore said the game was timely after plenty of training, and was a chance to try out combinations and test fitness levels.
He said the side was enjoying training and everyone was pushing each other.
"The spirit I think has gone up another level from last year but that would have to be expected given that there are not too many new boys in the camp.
"The trainings have really started to come together," Moore said.
"But we need a game and a chance to get out there and try some combinations, and see how guys perform under pressure."
Moore wanted to look at players in different positions, and view them under pressure.
Unfortunately, a rib injury has put paid to having Jayden Hayward start at second five-eighth, with big things expected of the Taranaki midfielder this season.
His unavailability gives Brett Mather a chance.
Part of the Highlanders last year, Mather did not get a minute of game time in the Super 14 last year so will be keen to make an impact.
He will have his hands full marking returning All Black Richard Kahui.
Chiefs coach Ian Foster said the game would give him an idea where his side was in terms of preparation.
"It is a real opportunity for us to see where we are . . . we have a new group here and it feels like a new group who are keen to make an impact."
Foster said making the final last year did not put any more pressure on his side this season and last year's effort had given the side a bit of belief.
The match had been scheduled for an afternoon kick-off to try to simulate the hot conditions expected at the start of the Super 14 with both teams heading to South Africa early in the season.
But the wet Dunedin summer looks like putting a damper on that idea, with a high of just 19degC forecast today.
Highlanders v Chiefs
Today, 2.30pm Carisbrook.
Highlanders: Robbie Robinson, Ryan Shortland, Brett Mather, Jason Shoemark, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Michael Hobbs, Scott Cowan, Steven Setephano, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Hayden Triggs, Josh Bekhuis, Bronson Murray, Jason Macdonald, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Chris King, Hoani Matenga, Tom Donnelly, Nasi Manu, Alando Soakai, Sean Romans, Mathew Berquist, Chris Noakes, James Paterson, Israel Dagg, Ben Smith.
Chiefs: Tim Nanai-Williams, Jason Hona, Richard Kahui, Jackson Willison, Dwayne Sweeney, Trent Renata, Junior Poluleuligaga, Sione Lauaki (captain), Luke Braid, Colin Bourke, Culum Retallick, Romana Graham, Ben Afeaki, Aled de Malmanche, Hiku Forbes.
Reserves: Vern Kamo, Sona Taumalolo, Nathan White, Jack Lam, Jarad Hoeata, Kevin O'Neill, Toby Lynn, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Callum Bruce, Phil Burleigh, Siale Piutau.
Referee: Keith Brown (Southland)
