Assistant coach Dave Dillon saw the contest as 'a massive opportunity' for the home team.
"The whole region loves these games, so I'd like to think we get the support along.
"It's a derby game, and we've shown last time out against the Hurricanes, we were right in that game for big parts of it.
"We'll be rolling up our sleeves and looking forward to playing the Chiefs down here."
The Highlanders will be bolstered by having improved selection choices with player availability increasing. Captain and flanker Billy Harmon and lock Josh Dickson will be back, while wings Jona Nareki and Scott Gregory were back last week.
"We're getting to the stage where that is turning, so we are getting a lot of bodies back.
"So, then comes the discussions around what groups are suitable for the opposition that we've got coming up, and what they will add. It's nice this week to be having those conversations."
That was after reviewing their Australian efforts and how they can remain competitive heading into the final rounds.
There was plenty of talk among the group about the disappointments in the season.
"I think there needs to be an edge when you don't get results, and there's a reason why. You don't go out not to get the results, so coming together and challenging [each other] is healthy."
Dillon said there were plenty of examples available through microscopic sports documentaries about how things were done in high-performance sports environments. It wasn't always harmonious, but conversations could be good both ways.
The Highlanders, to compete, would need to build some pressure with and without the ball to get the ball to play with.
No.8 Hugh Renton said they failed to achieve their goals in Australia and didn't nail parts of their game where they were looking to succeed. However, they did improve in some areas, so it was not all doom and gloom.
"It doesn't get easier. The Chiefs are on a roll, they're an outstanding team and everything seems to be working for them, everything is turning to gold and they're looking super sharp. So, it's a massive challenge for us and a challenge that traditionally the Highlanders have loved – that underdog tag of David vs Goliath."
Renton said the problem highlighted in the final quarter against the Waratahs – being stuck in their half – was something they needed to improve.
"We spent too long camped in our 22m and they came away in the dying minutes."
The Highlanders host the Chiefs on Friday 5 May, 7.05pm, at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Get your TICKETS HERE.