Highlanders' hooker Ash Dixon is looking forward to playing in front of a 'packed zoo' when his side runs out to face the Reds on Friday.
"We are at home this week, which is good with O Week."
"An influx of students should keep the energy high - it's not often you can get the zoo full with students at the start of the season because they have money."
The Southerners started their Super Rugby campaign with a come-from-behind win over the Chiefs last Friday night - something they want to see more of.
"We were pretty inconsistent away from home last year, so that's something we've addressed this season," he said.
"We played some good football at times, but it was good to see we closed it out at the back end of the game, 'cause some learning's from last year we weren't really good at it."
The 2015 Super Rugby Champions will now turn their attention to the Reds, a side Dixon is rating highly.
"They're a really physical side so recovery will be important before Friday.
"The Tongan Thor is very handy for them, so we have some people we need to contain and play some good footy ourselves."
Dixon came off the bench for just 14 minutes against the Chiefs as he continues his road to recovery from injury.
Join us for live updates of the Highlanders vs Reds match at 7:35pm on Friday February 22.
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