Wellington prop John Schwalger says the Lions' greater experience will count for nothing if they do not match Manawatu's passion in Saturday's ITM Cup clash in Palmerston North.
Mark Reddish and Scott Fuglistaller are the only members of the Wellington pack not to have played Super rugby and Schwalger expects the Manawatu forwards will be keen to prove a point against their Hurricanes cousins.
"Experience doesn't really count for anything if you don't back it up with the enthusiasm that they have," said Schwalger.
"They are real keen. They're young and they've got something to prove. We have to show them that we're still the big dogs and we are the ones that have to be beaten.
"They beat us in pre-season and we've got to go and rectify that and come out with the win. Hopefully we can put out a good 80 minute performance."
A total 80 minute performance is something the Lions have yet to manage to this season.
Their best 40 minutes probably came in the first half against Waikato where first five-eighths Fa'atonu Fili controlled play well and kicked for the corners which allowed Wellington to play their attacking brand of rugby at the right end of the field.
Last weekend's performance against Northland was in total contrast to that as they looked to run everything and gave away too much ball and it took Schwalger's try four minutes from the end to snatch victory.
Coach Andre Bell has stressed the need for his side to set the right platform from which to attack the Turbos this weekend.
"The conditions don't look too good so we'll have to look at playing a bit tighter," he said.
"They are always our bogey team. We've lost two pre-season games against them and they are well coached.
"They could have beaten Canterbury and they had opportunity against Hawke's Bay so they are there or thereabouts.
"The've had enough ball to win games and it's just a matter of when for them. We can't under-estimate them."
Injuries have forced Bell's hand this week with a front-row reshuffle and changes in the back line as well.
Knee injuries to prop Neemia Tialata and hooker Dane Coles see Schwalger switch to tighthead prop and Jacob Ellison come in on the loosehead side, while Ged Robinson gets his first start of the year in the No.2 jersey.
In the backs, Hosea Gear [hamstring] and Charlie Ngatai [ankle] are absent with Alipate Leiua on the left wing, Shaun Treeby shifting back to second five-eighths and newcomer Tajhon Mailata rocketing straight in at centre.
The bench also has a fresh look to it with Motu Matu'u the back-up rake, prop David Te Moana a chance to face his former province and Buxton Popoali'i in as outside backs cover.
Wellington: 1. Jacob Ellison, 2. Ged Robinson, 3. John Schwalger, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Mark Reddish, 6. Victor Vito, 7. Scott Fuglistaller, 8. Rodney So'oialo, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Fa'atonu Fili, 11. Alipate Leiua, 12. Shaun Treeby, 13.Tajhon Mailata, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Apoua Stewart.
Replacements: Motu Matu'u, 17. David Te Moana, 18. Faifili Levave, 19. Dean Brunsdon, 20. Ruki Tipuna, 21. Lima Sopoaga, 22. Buxton Popoali'i.