Captain Nasi Manu and the Highlanders will pack some extra clothes "just in case" when they travel to Christchurch to play the Crusaders in their final game of the Super Rugby regular season on Saturday.
Their destination for the following weekend is unknown and will not be clarified until after the final match of the round between the Sharks and Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday morning (AEST).
There could be another journey to Durban to face the Sharks, another trans-Tasman flight to Sydney, or a second match against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Two other outcomes will see them return to Dunedin, either with home advantage in the finals or out of the competition altogether.
"There are so many different scenarios," Manu said.
"We are packing a few extra clothes this week just in case."
Currently fourth, the Highlanders could know whether they are in the finals after the games on Friday, pitting the Chiefs against the Blues in Auckland and the Brumbies against the Force in Canberra.
"At least it will be good to wake up on Saturday knowing what we need to do," Manu said.
"Our destiny is still in our own hands."
Manu, who has played 64 games for the Highlanders, will be sole captain this week in the rare absence of injured All Blacks fullback and co-captain Ben Smith.
He doesn't believe his role will change markedly.
"It will still basically be the same but of course Ben is a very big loss.
"We've got a good squad of players who can step up but Ben is world-class. He's been our most valuable player this year."
Manu will mark All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read, the Crusaders captain whose team want a comprehensive win to improve their chances of qualifying second for the play-offs behind the Waratahs.
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