Rhythm is what Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is looking for from his squad as they build towards their start, a week later than other sides, in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
The three-time Super Rugby-winning champions have the first-round bye, something they were looking to utilise in their preparation.
Momentum would also be important but at the same time, the requirements in winter conditions would be different from playing when the temperature was 20 degrees higher.
The key, in what was expected to be such a tough competition, would be the ability to recover quickly, he said.
The competition was something unique for all involved and was likely to be something that never happened again.
"It's a little part of history that we can make special," he said.
However, it wasn't something they had been able to talk about as a group yet due to the demands of social distancing.
Robertson said the emphasis for the squad to date had been establishing that necessary rhythm. They were working in two groups on the field, and three groups in the gym. They were working towards an internal trial in their fourth week of preparation, knowing they also had the first-round bye giving them an extra week before playing.
Robertson also welcomed the retention of centre Braydon Ennor until 2023, He was a player who had come through the Crusaders' system. He had done his time, had started in his less preferred position on the wing but was now the starting centre and he had the chance to stamp his mark on Super Rugby and also become a 100-game Crusader.
He said having the consistency of selection that retention of players like Ennor provided was important to team-building. Ennor had a good partnership with Jack Goodhue in the midfield and at fullback with David Havili and they were all good mates that showed through in the performances.
Ennor recounted his first meeting with Robertson in 2015 when he pointed at him and said that he would eventually be paired with Goodhue in the mid-field.
"It will happen," Robertson told him.
Ennor said the decision to remain with the Crusaders was easy to make, he had been living in Christchurch for five years and had been living and breathing everything Crusaders.
Having achieved his first dream of attaining Crusader status, he looked to take the next step to be an All Black. That happened last year and had given him the drive to regain that status again.
He said that he had been in Year 12 at St Kentigern's College in Auckland when he decided to move to Christchurch, it wasn't a rugby-based decision as he was also looking to his choice of university and his longer-term future. The state of Auckland rugby at the time was not a factor in his decision.
Robertson was a fan of the golden point because with the style of the competition it would help create a straight winner.
"If there were a number of draws, it could disadvantage a team quite heavily and it brings a bit of excitement, it's something new. It's a brutal competition so an extra 10 minutes is going to be more entertaining for everyone.
"It's going to test your mental fortitude as well as the depth of your squad," he said.
Ennor said the first couple of weeks back had almost been frustrating because they were being held back a bit after eight weeks holding back in lockdown. They were happy to get the ball back in their hands and while it was a slow burn they knew they would get there in the end.