While Moana Pasifika was coming off a 7-85 loss to the Chiefs at the weekend, the motivation to improve on that performance and acknowledge captain and loose forward Ardie Savea's former home ground would be a factor in their approach.
"It'll be a tough game. They have been playing well. They had a blip over the weekend, but I'm sure that's all it was.
"They've got experienced coaches with a lot of knowledge from different competitions around the world and have applied some of those principles to the way they play."
They are also trying to achieve a top-six playoff berth, which would motivate them.
"They've beaten all the teams in the top half of the table so it's going to be a physical game, and one we are looking forward to."
Laidlaw said when they played Moana Pasifika earlier in the season, the Hurricanes were clunky and got off to a slow start, while Moana Pasifika got on top with their kicking game.
"They scored those quick fire tries after halftime and put us under pressure. We came back into it. We're a better side, but so are they. I genuinely have enjoyed the way they've built their season."
Several of the visiting side have Wellington connections, and Laidlaw said that was one of the beauties of rugby.
"You can be best mates until you cross the white line and you go toe-to-toe for 80 minutes and then you're best mates again."
The Hurricanes will start Brett Cameron at first five-eighths with Ruben Love at fullback.
Laidlaw said, "We think the way the game might go against Moana Pasifika and their kicking game and the threats around that, having two out-and-out playmakers on the field will be helpful.
"That is the preference for this week and then we'll reassess."