Assistant coach Tom Donnelly said there is nothing new that they can expect from the Brumbies.
"They've always been a good set-piece team with a big scrum and maul. They've been willing to use the ball this year, particularly deep in their half. Their wings have some amazing pace, so poor kicks give them a chance to counter and get the ball to their speed.
"They're dangerous, not many teams win in Canberra."
But the coaches were happy with how the Highlanders have progressed through the year.
"We've grown from where we started to where we are now and we've given ourselves a chance to go further in this competition. It's an exciting week for us."
Donnelly said the windy conditions at the weekend in Wellington tested the side's kicking game, especially in the first half.
However, the main lesson from the game was the need to have their collision game right for the Brumbies game.
"We're a little bit off there with our one-on-one tackles. We tackled poorly so we need to get that right for this week."
It was the nature of playoffs rugby that there was an extra edge, not only to get the winning outcome but to realise there were players who might not be seen in the side again.
"Playoffs footy is different. You start back at zero; sometimes, it's not the best team that wins. It's the best team that wins on the day.
"Our focus is preparing really well so that we go over to Canberra and put a great performance in."
In their last meeting, the Highlanders started well but made too many errors with the ball.
"We had them under a lot of pressure to start with, and then we allowed them to play their game, which ground us down a wee bit towards the back of the game.
"So the focus is on making sure we start well and limit our errors."
The side must be prepared to play and be in the game until the 80th minute.
Donnelly said Finn Hurley, who started at fullback against the Hurricanes at the weekend, had played well.
"Given the conditions for the back three, it was pretty tough, and he excelled. He's worked hard all year and got an opportunity, so it's awesome to see how he's developed during the season. He's got a bright future."