All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock has tried to prepare his younger teammates for the intimidating atmosphere awaiting them at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Monday (NZ time).
Last time New Zealand faced Wales at their home fortress - traditionally known as Cardiff Arms Park - four years ago, it was called Millennium Stadium. Deputising for Kieran Read, Whitelock captained the side to 33-18 victory, despite copping a yellow card late in the contest.
But long after results fade into the history books, the veteran lock will remember the pre-match build-up to any encounter against the Welsh on their sacred turf.
Despite COVID-19 crowd restrictions around the world, 75,000 will cram into an open-roofed stadium on Monday.
"For us more experienced players, who have been here before, it's one of the things we've tried to explain," reflects Whitelock. "But sometimes you've really got to experience it, before you understand what it's like.
"It's an awesome atmosphere. It's one of the most special stadiums to play at, especially during the anthems.
"The Welsh all can sing and they definitely back themselves. It's pretty cool when you hear 70,000 Welsh people singing at the top of their lungs."
Only five other players - Codie Taylor, Reiko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara and Anton Lienert-Brown - have returned from that 2017 line-up to take the field this week.
Whitelock admits each player must decide for themselves how to handle the unique environment, perhaps the only build-up that comes close to nullifying the traditional All Blacks haka.
"Everyone's different," he says. "Some people are just thinking about their next job, whether it's the haka or in game.
"For myself, I've got to absorb it, I've got to listen to it and take it in for what it is. It's an amazing thing and I'd be disappointed in myself if I didn't enjoy some of these amazing things we get to experience as All Blacks playing away from home.
"I'm sure there will be a few supporters that have made their way from New Zealand and it's awesome when you see Kiwi fans in the crowd with their All Blacks jerseys on."
The occasion will be even more special for Whitelock, who will square off - positionally and as captain - against longtime rival Alun Wyn Jones, as he surpasses former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw as the world's most-capped rugby international.
"Awesome man, awesome bloke," says Whitelock. "Really pumped for him to get to 149 tests.
"He's a real competitor, normally brings a bit of chat during the game, but afterwards, it's always good to share a cold beer with him."
Join us at 5am Sunday for live updates of the All Blacks v Wales test
