But at the same time, Joubert warned Otago simply had to eliminate all the mistakes it racked up.
Otago faces the men from the city of sails in the second round of the ITM Cup and it is shaping as a key game for an Otago side, which is looking to regain credibility.
Otago started the season well with a convincing 46-29 win over North Harbour at Carisbrook last Thursday night, but in this congested competition the celebrations after a win are short and sweet.
A loss and a poor display will put Otago back to square one.
Joubert said the side had backed up well, with bodies intact, and had plenty to play for against Auckland.
"We can't afford to look too far into the future in this competition.
"This is a game for the Colling Trophy and we had Tim Colling, his nephew, in to tell us about what sort of guy he was and what it meant to him to play for Otago," Joubert said.
"That just gives us that extra bit of motivation for the game."
Joubert said the forward pack, especially the front five, had set the foundation for last week's win and would again be asked to do the job tonight.
"Up front in every game, if you can establish some dominance in your set piece, then you are going to have an advantage.
"But Auckland will not want us to dominate there. They'll be keen to meet us at every occasion."
Joubert was not happy with his own game last week, saying he missed too many tackles, but in some ways the level of missed tackles by the side, above 40, was a way to keep everyone firmly on the ground.
"But the level of hunger from the guys was the most important thing. Although we missed many tackles and I missed plenty myself, that has shown we still have plenty of things to work on. So we can't get too carried away.
"If we can retain that passion and attitude, then the improvement in the tackles should come."
The pleasing thing was the elimination of mistakes and Joubert said at this level any opportunity that came along simply had to be taken.
Auckland has rung the changes, with just five players remaining from its starting team, which lost 40-33 to Canterbury last Sunday.
It takes on Wellington on Saturday night, so faces a tough start to the competition. Coach Mark Anscombe is shuffling his cards, though he is comfortable with the depth in his squad.
Gareth Anscombe, the son of the coach, remains at first five-eighth, while former All Black Joe Rokocoko is on one wing.
Former Highlander Viliame Waqaseduadua is on the other wing.
There are two former Otago players in the side - halfback Toby Morland and lock Josh Townsend. Daniel Braid will captain the side.
The game will be refereed by Garratt Williamson.
If Otago does win tonight, it will break a 35-year losing streak in Auckland. In 1976, Otago beat Auckland 26-16 and since then has travelled to Auckland 21 times without victory.
A win tonight will not only create history, but should banish the woe of last season.
Otago v Auckland
Eden Park, today, 7.35pm
Referee: Garratt Williamson (Wellington)
TAB odds: Auckland $1.45, Otago $2.60
Otago: Glenn Dickson, Joe Hill, Ben Atiga, Sam Giddens, Buxton Popoali'i, Tony Brown, Sean Romans, Gareth Evans, Eben Joubert (captain), Regan Tamihere, Tom Donnelly, Daniel Ramsay, Kees Meeuws, Liam Coltman, Halani Aulika.
Reserves: Peter Mirrielees, James McGougan, Rob Verbakel, TJ Ioane, Johnny Legg, Jayden Spence, Hayden Parker, Scott Manson.
Auckland: Hadleigh Parkes, Joe Rokocoko, Teddy Stanaway, Winston Stanley, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Gareth Anscombe, Toby Morland, Chris Lowrey, Daniel Braid (captain), Sean Polwart, Josh Townsend, Richard Haddon, Angus Ta'avao, Ash Dixon, Tevita Mailau.
Reserves: Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu, Nathan Hughes, Onosa'i Auva'a, Auvasa Faleali'i, Piers Francis, George Moala, Charlie Faumuina.
