Crusaders captain Scott Barrett admits he isn't one for many words on the field, but that only comes from having great confidence in his team's preparation.
Barrett is expected to once again lead the Crusaders, alongside co-captain, Codie Taylor against the Chiefs in their Super Rugby quarter-final fixture on Friday.
He admits the responsibility is something he's grown to love, and that his confidence in his ability as captain comes from all the work from everyone else.
"I enjoy it. It's a huge challenge and each week you've got to put in the work. It's definitely rewarding when you see performance at the end of the week from 23 players," he said.
"Nerves and anxiousness come from lack of preparation. Finals footy, your preparation that much deeper, so come kick-off you're not thinking, you've got full trust in the work you've put in the week.
"That comes with a bit of experience over the last couple of years and a few ups and downs along the way that helped shape that.
"You've got management who've put in a lot of time and if I can go out there and perform as a captain, that's all I can ask.
"I don't like to talk too much, I'd rather play some good rugby and influence the team that way but when there is a time to speak or drive a team that's when I can give some direction."
The match-up against the Chiefs will also act as one of the last couple of games to impress All Blacks coach Ian Foster for selection for their test series against Ireland next month.
Both teams boast plenty of international experience and make for intriguing match-ups, with Barrett set face off against All Black teammates Brodie Retallick and Tupou Vaa'i.
Barrett is relishing the challenge but concedes there will be little bad blood shown between them out on the field.
"Right through their pack, two All Black locks against each other, it's a huge battle and I'm excited for that and I'm sure Brodie and Tupou are too," he said.
"There might be a moment. If there's a mistake, there might be two cents thrown in there. We're both competitive teams and often in the heat of the moment, a few words could be added in but hopefully they can just smile and get on with their job."
Join us at 7:05pm, Friday for live updates of the Crusaders v Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific semi-final
