Fiji hasn't exactly been a happy hunting ground for Super Rugby Pacific teams, but the Hurricanes hope the experience of their first-year coach may play a part in nabbing a rare win against the Drua at home.
Clark Laidlaw's time coaching the All Blacks Sevens means he's spent his fair share of time trying to plot Fiji's demise.
While the Drua present a different challenge entirely, Laidlaw feels he has something up his sleeve.
The autumnal Wellington weather is a world away from what the undefeated home side are about to encounter, but despite the challenge of facing the Drua at home, the 'Canes are braced for it.
"We under no illusion it's going to be a challenge," said midfielder Billy Proctor. "They feed off the heat and they feed off the crowd."
"We played the Force in 35 degrees, so I think that's a trap you can fall into is trying to change your game too much," said Laidlaw.
While teams have struggled to cope in searing Fiji heat, the Hurricanes already have one advantage - they get their clash in the evening. While they escape the worst of the conditions, the prospect in front of them doesn't change.
The Drua haven't dropped a game at home since April last year.
"Can we deal with it?" wondered Laidlaw. "Well, no other team has this year.
"Only one team has won there in 8-9 attempts, so it's a big challenge. It's as big as it gets."
Laidlaw is in a unique position to handle the challenge that's coming in Suva. While he's in his first year as Hurricanes coach, he knows better than most what it takes to be successful there.
"It's easier said than done, so you've got to limit giving them the ball on their terms or playing unstructured rugby, or you fall into the trap of trying to slow the game down too much and stop looking for opportunities," he said.
The Hurricanes have taken plenty of those this season and hoping Suva will be no different.
Join Newshub at 7pm Friday for live updates of the Hurricanes v Drua Super Rugby Pacific clash
