It will be 393 days since the Brumbies last defeated a New Zealand Super Rugby team when they run on to GIO Stadium to avenge last year's finals exit at the hands of the Highlanders.
Saturday night's match presents a tantalising opportunity for the ACT franchise to arrest their poor record against Kiwi teams, having won twice in 10 matches since 2015.
The Brumbies are building momentum with back-to-back victories over the Sharks and Waratahs propelling them to the top of the Australian conference.
But co-captain Sam Carter says New Zealand sides are a different proposition.
"The margin for error is so small," he said.
"We have to make sure we're right on our game tomorrow night because they'll capitalise on their opportunities if we give them any."
The Highlanders are at the foot of the New Zealand conference with a 1-3 record after four consecutive Kiwi derbies, including last week's 41-15 loss to the Hurricanes.
The Dunedin-based team have endured a cruel run with injuries but welcome back winger Patrick Osborne, while hooker Greg Pleasants-Tate and prop Siosuia Halanukonuka return to the bench.
Test centre Malakai Fekitoa will play after overcoming concussion.
Despite those inclusions, the Highlanders remain without regulars Liam Squire, Dan Pryor, Lima Sopoaga, Waisake Naholo and James Lentjes.
Even without a host of big names, Carter is expecting another tough encounter against typically clinical New Zealand outfit.
"They're great on the counter attack and they offload and kick more than any other team in the comp," Carter said.
"We're going have to be aware of those threats and shut them down there tomorrow."
The hurt of last year's 15-9 loss quarter-final loss to the Highlanders at home is yet to evaporate for the Brumbies.
"That was disappointing for us because we had a big crowd and the Canberra community really got behind us last year," Carter said.
"We let them down in the final so there's no doubt we'll be out to rectify that this week."
Up to 15mm of rain is predicted for the nation's capital on Saturday, which could see similarly slippery conditions to those last year's final was played in.
The Brumbies have made five changes to the starting line-up from their victory against the Waratahs last week and Wallabies front-rowers Scott Sio and Saia Fainga'a will come off the bench to make their first appearances for 2017.
