Lock Zach Gallagher said in their round 11 35-29 win over the Brumbies in Canberra, the Hurricanes felt a turning point in their season. It came after their 17-17 draw against the Force and a 24-31 loss at home to the Crusaders and preceded their return home to beat the Chiefs 35-17.
"The season was on the line at that point. Being on tour brought us closer together, and it was a big game for us. Hopefully, we can go back over there and put in a performance we're proud of.
"It was the first time the team had won there since 2017, to it was good for our confidence."
Last weekend, the Hurricanes finished the round robin with another good win [64-12 over Moana Pasifika] on the back of good performances in the preceding games, but that was done now, and the concentration now was on the weekend.
"Nothing is guaranteed. We're only given a week at a time. It's about starting again, going back to basics, focusing on our game, and Canberra is a tough place to play.
"The Brumbies are a good side with a strong set-piece, so we have to bring our A game."
A former Crusader, Gallagher said he felt refreshed learning from a different group of coaches, players, management and staff and challenging himself in different ways.
"Having a change and stepping out of my comfort zone was refreshing. It's forced me to grow as a player and see the game differently.
Gallagher said the side's last few performances had not been perfect, but they had learnt how to win 'a little bit ugly', but winning gave momentum, which was big in rugby.
"There are always things to grow. The Brumbies had a close loss against the Crusaders so I'm sure they'll be wanting to put in a good performance as well."
Wing Fehi Fineanganofo is familiar with the demands of finals football due to his experience on the World Sevens circuit, where every tournament has its own finals pressure.
"I guess you could say I'm used to the Sevens pressure, but we'll find out this weekend. It's a bit different. I found that out in the first round of this season, but I'm getting used to it now.
"The transition of going from 14 minutes to 80 minutes meant a few cramps at the start of the season. I found the speed of Super Rugby a lot faster than the NPC last year, and the contact was stronger."
Fineanganofo said the side was more than ready for the challenge in Canberra and couldn't wait to get on their plane.
"Coming off last week, we feel we can carry that on. We've played them before. It's important we don't get complacent."
Assistant coach Cory Jane said Fineanganofo was fresh at Super Rugby level and needed to be taught different ways to defend and where to be an attack option.
"He's got some unbelievable bursts, and it's right to try to put him in the right areas and grow his IQ at Super Rugby. He picks up a lot, and that's exciting for his future.
"I don't think he expected to play as much as he has this early on in his first year, but a couple of injuries and him playing well, he has got all these opportunities. It's just trying to use his acceleration with his footwork and ability to beat somebody on top of that speed.
"Playing in front of a big crowd, he understands the pressures. In Sevens you've got the ability to beat somebody but you've got to defend well because you don't have 14 other guys. So, he understands the work ethic that's needed."