It could be the calm before the storm or the nervous energy for a determined run to the Super Rugby play-offs, but the ACT Brumbies are avoiding a war of words with the NSW Waratahs.
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Coach Jake White has urged his side to embrace the build-up and hype to the last two games of the regular season.
The Brumbies will drive to Sydney today to finalise preparations as they attempt to break their decade-long drought against the NSW Waratahs at home.
A bonus-point win would almost secure them a place in the finals for the first time since 2004.
But instead of being drawn into a slanging match against their arch-enemy, the Brumbies have a steely approach to ensure they get the job done.
Former Brumby Adam Ashley-Cooper turned the blowtorch on White's team earlier in the week by declaring the Waratahs would be able to play pressure-free rugby.
When asked about it yesterday, Brumbies prop Ben Alexander gave a short, sharp response, saying: ''I haven't read any of Coopy's comments … no [we're not under pressure], we're just ready to play.
''I'm not going to say anything on it … he can say whatever he wants, but I'd rather be in our position than theirs.''
The Waratahs will be playing for pride after a horror campaign.
They've lost seven games by seven points or less and are desperately trying to end a six-game losing streak.
They boast a line-up with a plethora of Wallabies experience and will use the chance to rock the Brumbies on their run to the finals as motivation.
White has named an unchanged team for the first time this year for the match.
No.8 Fotu Auelua (hamstring) and winger Joseph Tomane (ankle) have been given another week to prove their fitness, with White opting not to risk the duo.
White is aware his team could walk into a Waratahs ambush.
But strong performances in New Zealand and South Africa have given the Brumbies the confidence they can beat anyone.
The Brumbies started the season with 396 Super Rugby caps and now have close to 600.
The Waratahs boast more than 1000 Super Rugby appearances.
''It gives me great confidence that when you play together more and more, there's a certain cohesion and synergy and you can't buy that,'' White said.
''We're in a much better place now that we were at the start of the season.
''The Waratahs are playing at home - we've won once there in 16 years. They're expected to win at home.
''The reality is we just have to focus on what we do well.
''If we listened to every comment before every game we wouldn't have won one game … we know what we want to achieve.''
TOMORROW
Super Rugby round 17: NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies, at ANZ Stadium, 7.40pm.
TV time: Live on Fox Sports 3.
