The Western Force are adamant they won't be lulled into complacency when they take on the Queensland Reds in Saturday night's clash at Suncorp Stadium.
The Reds produced one of the shocks of round one - and not for a good reason - when they copped a 47-3 hammering at the hands of the Brumbies.
In contrast, the Force opened their campaign in the best possible way with a bonus-point 25-13 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.
The Reds will be boosted by the inclusion of playmaker James O'Connor, meaning code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is likely to earn some respite at fullback.
Queensland players have vowed to make amends for their round-one flop, and Force scrumhalf Alby Mathewson said his team were preparing themselves for a torrid affair.
"We are actually not taking too much out of their weekend's performance, because we expect them to be a lot better this week," Mathewson said.
"They're at their home ground, and they'll want to put on a good performance - not only for themselves, but for their home crowd."
The Force haven't lost to the Reds since 2012 in a stretch that has featured four wins and a draw.
But with prop Pek Cowan (neck) and fullback Dane Haylett-Petty (foot) joining hamstrung skipper Matt Hodgson on the sidelines, the Force will have to dig deep into their reserves.
Mathewson played a key role in the win over NSW, with his deft chip setting up a crucial try for winger Luke Morahan.
The former All Black is signed on with the Force as one of its marquee players until the end of next season, and he is keen to extend that stay even longer if the Australian Rugby Union allows him.
Due to his foreigner status, Mathewson would only be allowed to re-sign if granted special dispensation by the ARU.
"It's a tricky one with eligibility rules," Mathewson said.
"But if I could, I'd like to finish my career here.
"I love it here. I love what we're building. Everything about Perth - the people, all the boys."
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