But it is not going to be an ordinary spell on the factory floor for the Highlanders tonight.
This is a southern derby, against the Crusaders in Christchurch, a game which is going to have a major impact on both sides, as they strive to make the playoffs.
The teams are separated by just two points on a congested table, so the loser will have much to mull over when the competition goes into a three-week hiatus after this weekend.
Whoever comes out on top will control their destiny, while the loser will be facing some major hurdles to find the way to the finals.
The Highlanders will go into the match as underdogs, due perhaps to the Crusaders' legacy,rather than form.
The Crusaders have 11 past or present All Blacks in their starting side, and are fresh off a break. They piled on 59 points in their most recent game, although that was against a woeful Blues side.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is far from daunted about taking on the red and blacks.
"The team has got themselves in a really good position, and have got themselves out of a couple of tough corners in the past couple of weeks. Now they get to play the All Blacks," he quipped.
"It is exciting for the team to play them [Crusaders]. Teams like Japan, they get daunted playing the All Blacks. Other teams like England, South Africa ... they are excited to play the All Blacks. That's what it's about."
He said the Highlanders had to limit their mistakes against the Crusaders, and take a step up from last week's win over the Blues.
"I did not think we played that well against the Blues. I thought we had some backs who scored some nice tries but that was down to individual brilliance. That got us through in the end.
"But you would not call that a polished performance. If we play like that again we'll struggle. We just have to do the basics bloody well."
Joseph has made five fairly predictable changes to the XV that beat the Blues at Eden Park last weekend.
Englishman James Haskell returns from a four-week suspension and comes straight into the starting team, replacing Tim Boys at openside flanker.
Regular first-choice forwards Chris King (prop), Josh Bekhuis (lock) and Nasi Manu (No 8) are also restored to the pack.
In the backs, the only change is at halfback, where All Black- in-waiting Aaron Smith sends veteran Jimmy Cowan back to the bench.
On the reserves bench, Scott Fuglistaller drops out of the 22 for Tim Boys, and Kade Poki comes back into the squad, replacing Kenny Lynn.
The Highlanders have had a disrupted week. Those at the All Black training camp did not join the team until Wednesday, but some players have had a break over the past couple of weeks and recharged batteries.
Much will depend on the composure of the Highlanders and their ability to get on top of the Crusaders' loose forwards.
The weather is forecast to be clear but cold in Christchurch tonight.
Crusaders v Highlanders
Christchurch, tonight, 7.35pm
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
TAB odds: Crusaders $2.25, Highlanders $3.75
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kurt Baker, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh, Hosea Gear, Chris Noakes, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, James Haskell, Adam Thomson, Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Andrew Hore, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Nick Crosswell, Tim Boys, Jimmy Cowan, Mike Delany, Kade Poki.
Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Adam Whitelock, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Ben Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Owen Franks, Tom Donnelly, Matt Todd, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Tom Marshall.
