Assistant coach Kieran Keane is wary of the threat posed by the Lions as the Highlanders attempt to continue their improved season in the Super Rugby match at Carisbrook on Saturday night.
The Johannesburg-based team has won only two games so far, but it has had five bonus-point losses, and Keane believes they are a side with the ability to sneak under the radar.
"I think they showed that when they beat the Brumbies in Canberra," he said. "We've had a good look at them and they're quite a dangerous team because they're throwing caution to the wind.
"They're playing a little differently now to what they were earlier in the season. They're attacking at every opportunity, they're tough guys, they're fit and they're big."
"They're definitely a threat. They've had the rough end of the stick at times and their coaches, John Mitchell and Carlos Spencer, obviously have a very deep knowledge of New Zealand rugby."
Keane said he felt the bye came at the right time for the Highlanders, who go into the weekend's game with an 8-4 win-loss record.
"We had worked really hard and we're a team which gives its best every week. That takes its toll, it can be a little draining, but I think the boys have freshened up well and there's certainly a good feel back in the camp."
Keane is also conscious the bye can halt momentum.
"I think Jamie [head coach Jamie Joseph] has addressed that really well and made it clear to the boys they need to switch on again straight away," he said.
The Highlanders must beat the Lions to remain in playoff contention but Keane and the coaching staff are not labouring the point to their players.
"It's just a game in which we need to play well and win," he said. "We're not getting ahead of ourselves. Everyone has their feet firmly on the ground."
"We just take it one game at a time. This week's a must-win, next week's a must-win, and so on and so on … the future will take care of itself if we play well enough."
Keane has been pleased with the development of the backs, many of whom were virtual strangers to him and Simon Culhane before the campaign.
"It's been a privilege for myself and Nibs [Simon Culhane] and we're pleased at the progress they've made."
Ben Smith has clearly been the standout player and Keane said he deserved all the plaudits he had been receiving.
"His form has been outstanding. Ben is a fine young man and a very fine rugby player. He is at the top of his game and I hope he gets the rewards he deserves."
Second five-eighth Shaun Treeby, who has been out for the past five or six weeks with a medial ligament strain, has run freely at practice this week and will play against the Lions.