Lions coach Johan Ackerman believes a raucous home crowd will play a major role in the result of Sunday morning's (NZT) Super Rugby final.
The table-toppers host the Crusaders at Ellis Park, with a full house of 62,000 expected to provide quite the hostile atmosphere for the visitors.
Ackerman said the Crusaders can expect a passionate Johannesburg welcome when they run out onto South Africa's spiritual home of rugby.
"It's going to be intimidating for the Crusaders," said Ackerman. "It's quite a big experience for everyone in the team to see the stadium full.
"It's an amazing privilege to be a part of it and we need to enjoy the moment and treasure the build-up and match-day experience."
With both sides sharing one loss each throughout the entire 2017 season, there is no doubt that the two best sides in the competition will square off this weekend.
Following a wonderful come-from-behind win over the Hurricanes in the semi-final, Ackerman is hoping his chargers will take that momentum forward into the final.
The Hurricanes led 22-10 at halftime before a Lions second-half blitz produced an incredible turnaround that booked the hosts a date with the Crusaders.
The 47-year-old said it's crucial the South African side stays true to themselves, despite the red-hot atmosphere and pressure of a rugby-loving public begging for a New Zealand scalp.
"You have to stick with what brought you to this point." Ackerman noted.
"It's about ticking all the boxes and being accurate during the game. At the end of the day you have to believe you have the ability - it just comes down to execution."
The Crusaders are seeking their first Super Rugby crown since 2008, having come up short in finals against the Queensland Reds (2011) and New South Wales Waratahs (2014).
Ackerman said the seven-time champions are an inspiration to all other franchises, having built a winning mentality that dates back to a first title, against the Blues in 1998.
"What can you say about the Crusaders - I have just the upmost respect," he said.
"It started years ago when the built the culture and a tradition of winning seven titles, they have almost made the playoffs every year and they have an embarrassment of All Blacks, even on the bench.
"They are a quality side so it is a big challenge for us - and hopefully it will be a great game."
While the former Springbok wouldn't admit his side are favourites, he did acknowledge that the Crusaders' hectic travel schedule will have unsettled the New Zealand side.
The Scott Robertson-coached side went sleepless last Sunday morning, boarding a flight to Sydney less than nine hours after booking their spot in the final.
A 17-hour journey to South Africa followed, and Ackerman believes the travel would have taken something out of the players.
"It is taxing on the body for sure," he said.
"The fact you aren't sleeping in your own bed, you're not at home with the family - all that added with the travelling really takes you out of your comfort zone."
Kick-off is scheduled for 2am on Sunday morning (NZT).
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