Highlanders hold no secret-weapon in winning streak over the Chiefs: Brown

Highlanders coach Tony Brown isn't reading too much into his side's current six-game winning streak over the Chiefs.

The two sides meet at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Friday night with the home side looking to heap further misery on the two-time champion Chiefs having not lost to them since round three of 2014.

Brown said there isn't any special secret to the southern side's hold over their North Island rivals.

"It's just one of those things in rugby where some teams struggle against other teams, it's just one of those things that are hard to explain," Brown said.

The 2015 champions enjoy playing in front of their adoring fans in Dunedin, with Brown noting the dry conditions suit their style of play.

"It's a great place to play. The footy is faster here and the crowd is awesome as it's so close and I know our players love playing here when the students are in town so it will be something special."

The Highlanders face an extremely tough first month of the Super Rugby season, finding themselves against the four other New Zealand franchises.

Brown said despite the unfortunate draw, it provides his side with an opportunity to set a early marker and find out where they are at.

"It's a challenging start but an exciting one. That's what rugby is about really, testing your culture and environment against the best teams and we have got the four best probably in the first four weeks."

The former All-Black pivot heads off-shore at the end of the season to assist Jamie Joseph in Japan, and he plans on going out on a high by taking the Highlanders to a second title.

"I've loved my last three years here as assistant coach with the Highlanders, but this year is a bit different, but for me the Highlanders is just special and it will be sad to leave but it would be great to way to finish."

The Highlanders host the Crusaders next weekend before heading to Auckland to take on the Blues in week three.

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