Others might seek guidance from history, but Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam says the Super Rugby qualifying final against the Brumbies is a match that stands on its own.
The two sides met in the final last year, the Chiefs prevailing 27-22 in Hamilton to secure a second successive title.
The Brumbies gained some revenge on Anzac Day with a convincing 41-23 victory at home.
For Messam, what’s gone on before carries little significance ahead of this weekend’s clash in Canberra for a place in the semi-finals.
“A lot of people talk about momentum when you come into play-offs, but I’m a big believer that’s it’s a one-off,” he said.
“If you do everything for this one game, then you should be alright. That’s what we have to do – focus day by day in our training and get into Saturday night and just rip into it.”
Messam also sees a big difference between the Chiefs squad that headed for the Australian capital on Wednesday and the one that “got a bit of a hiding, got a bit embarrassed” there last time around.
In April, they were without several injured players, including co-skipper Aaron Cruden, halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow and openside flanker Tanerau Latimer.
But Messam also feels they’ve grown during an up-and-down campaign.
“We’ve gone through a lot of hard times as a team,” he said.
“But I’m really confident that those hard time have made us stronger as a unit and as a family.”
After three losses in a row left them in must-win territory with two rounds to go, the Chiefs clinched their play-off spot by beating the Hurricanes and the Blues.
That left them fifth on the table, a position from which no side have gone on to win the title.
“It’s a different challenge and it’s going to be a tough challenge,” Messam said.
“This time we’re on the road and Canberra’s a tough place to win. We’re doing all the right things that we can to make sure we’re in the right mindset.”
Coach Dave Rennie is hopeful veteran hooker Mahonri Schwalger, who is carrying a shoulder injury, will be available.
However, midfielder Charlie Ngatai is at least another week from returning from his own shoulder problem.
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Roar Guru
The Brumbies have a weakness at retaining possession at the scrum, as their success rate of 76% is the lowest in the competition and way below the competition average of 86%, however their ball retention rate at the breakdown is the best in the competition so they allow fewer turnovers than the rest of the comp. Three months ago the Brumbies hammered the Chiefs at Canberra 41-23, those 23 points for the Chiefs in the end were conceded as slightly flattering, given that the Brumbies were 36-9 up with ten minutes to go. The Chiefs were smashed at the breakdown and slipped off tackles while the Brumbies held firm. They also missed Cruden, with Gareth Anscombe unable to spark the same play from his backs as the All Black Cruden does so well. Cruden is back. Liam Squire is back at number eight. Jamie Mackintosh is using all of his own experience at loosehead to good effect. The Chiefs are stronger than back in April, no doubt about that... The Brumbies line-out has been one of the best all year (88.4 percent success), while the Chiefs have one of the worst (80.7). The Brumbies line-out is spoilt for choice in terms of jumpers with Sam Carter, Scott Fardy and Ben Mowen all present. The Brumbies line-out has been one of the best all year (88.4 percent success), while the Chiefs have one of the worst (80.7) The Brumbies don't lack any attacking flair...But, they have produced exactly 100 fewer offloads than the Chiefs - 217 to 117. Inconsistency has plagued the Brumbies since winning seven matches in eight games, with last year's finalists unable to secure back to back wins and losing four of their last seven games. At home this year they have an 88 win percentage record. The Chiefs on the other hand won their last two matches but lost the three fixtures before those successes. A run of one win in six games earlier this season — which included two draws. Christian Lealiifano's kicking has to be perfect and if his radar is off early on, Nic White must take over. Cruden after all will not waste similar chances. Both sides are capable of scoring tries and have big-name players made for the occasion, but both are also flawed. It's Fardy v Messam, Toomua v Cruden, Kuridrani v Nanai-Williams. This one is close to call 2014: Brumbies won 41-23 in Canberra 2013: Chiefs won 27-22 in Hamilton 2012: Chiefs won 29-22 in Hamilton 2011: Brumbies won 28-20 in Canberra 2010: Brumbies won 30-23 in Canberra Home advantage has clearly held sway in the last five encounters between these two teams, defending champions Chiefs are not the favorites playing in Canberra. “This is do or die time for us," said Chiefs co-captain Liam Messam. "We have a lot of belief in our group and now we need to convert that into our performance on the field on Saturday night.”
Old Bugger
Guest
I know I took a swipe at Marshall in previous posts but I didn't know Sweeney was an FB?? Has anyone seen him play FB at ITM or this level??
atlas
Guest
could be Gareth Anscombe's last game (if he makes the field, and if Brumbies win) - off to Cardiff Blues and Welsh newspapers suggesting he'll be fast-tracked into Wales team to face Wallabies 8 Nov on EOYT Good luck to him - quite a queue ahead of him in NZ at 10 or 15 Other 2014 Chiefs departing - Mils Muliaina and Bundee Aki (Connacht in Ireland), Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Harlequins in England) and Tanerau Latimer (Toshiba in Japan) Once Aki qualifies for Ireland (his stated aim) he may meet Anscombe in a 6N match.
Sportym
Guest
Destroyed? Might want to watch the game again, and see how long it took you to pile on the points against a second string team.
Winston
Guest
Team announced. Jamie Mackintosh Mahonri Schwalger Ben Tameifuna Mike Fitzgerald Brodie Retallick Liam Messam Tanerau Latimer Liam Squire Tawera Kerr-Barlow Aaron Cruden © James Lowe Bundee Aki Tim Nanai-Williams Asaeli Tikoirotuma Dwayne Sweeney Nathan Harris Pauliasi Manu Nick Barrett Matt Symons Tevita Koloamatangi Augustine Pulu Gareth Anscombe Tom Marshall Sweeney at fullback, that doesn't seem right
dune din
Guest
Its like the rest of the season, the teams are so close any could win on the day, except my Highlanders, who of late have looked like the Highlanders of old :(
Markus
Guest
I don't think Jamie Mackintosh is any better than Alexander in terms of scrum dominance, and Sio will have no problem with Tameifuna on the other side. If the Brumbies can prevent the Chiefs backs getting counter-attack ball in open space, they should be able to keep the pressure on in tight and secure a win.
Squirrel
Guest
Exactly Doug. Tahs pack will murder both these packs. We destroyed brumbies only a fe weeks ago. Tahs vs Crusaders certainty
Jesus
Guest
The Chiefs will lose to the Crusaders in the Super 15 final in Christchurch. Lock it
Nek Minnut
Guest
The Highlanders and the Chiefs could win, I think the Chiefs will win.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Winning a match in Canberra against a good Brumbies side is a tall order, and I don't think this Chiefs side is good enough. The Highlanders will be eaten alive in Durban, so the road stops here for two of the NZ franchises. Both the Brumbies and Sharks belong in the semis, so it's only right they should win. Not sure the Crusaders belong at the top of the NZ conference, though.
Argyle
Roar Guru
I am think the Chiefs - they can endure a tough pack coming at them but think they will get over Ben Alexander and can see them grinding this out through the middle.
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
Not a foregone conclusion by any means, if the Chiefs click they can certainly take it, and lets face it, they can really go for it with nothing to lose. That is when they are probably at their best. However my take is that the Brumbies will sneak it, home advantage and all that. Certainly not putting any money on it.
Adsa
Guest
I think this will be a great game and can't wait, best thing about the Cheifs is they are not going to die wondering and will run it back hard. Lark hams kickers would want to be very exact where they punt the ball. Brumbies for my thinking will get the win as they will control the set piece.
DougRedsfan1
Guest
Whoever wins will be slaughtered by the Tahs
Sportym
Guest
Chiefs are a class team, and my favourite NZ team. Alas they play my team this weekend . I think the winner of this final, barring injuries can upset the Tahs next weekend. Can't wait till Saturday !!! Go the Brumbies!!!!
Squirrel
Guest
Good luck chiefs but can't see an upset. Brumbies 19-10