A preview of some of the key battles ahead of Saturday's PRO12 semi-final between Connacht and Glasgow Warriors, live on Sky Sports.
Defending champions Glasgow are aiming to become only the second side ever to retain the PRO12 title and are appearing in the play-offs for a fifth successive season.
Connacht are moving into uncharted territory having never reached this point in the competition before. Pat Lam's side have the confidence of a recent 14-7 victory over their opponents but know that knockout rugby is a whole different ball game.
Ahead of this highly anticipated match we look at some of the key battles that could decide this semi-final.
John Muldoon v Josh Strauss
Both No 8's will be key to their sides' attempts to build momentum.
Strauss has grown over the course of the PRO12 season, he never takes a backward step and almost always breaks the gain line.
The ever-present Muldoon provides Connacht with momentum and leadership. Connacht are in new territory, they must embrace the challenge ahead of them and it will be up to their captain to lead the way.
Both Muldoon and Strauss should be quick to introduce themselves to their opponents' fly-halves, set their stall out early with gain line breaks and provide the benchmark when it comes to work rate.
Ultan Dillane v Leone Nakarawa
Dillane and Nakarawa will look to disrupt their opponents' set-piece and this both should add plenty around the park.
It's Dillane's athleticism and physicality make him standout and he's one of a number of players that Joe Schmidt will be keeping a close eye on this weekend.
Nakarawa does things on a rugby field that others can only dream of and makes it all look effortless. So far the Fijian has made 48 offloads, 14 more than any other player, and provides solid set piece proficiency alongside his attacking spark.
Nakarawa has magic in his locker than few in world rugby can unlock so Connacht's 22-year-old will need to play to his own strengths and step up on the semi-final stage.
Bundee Aki v Peter Horne
Both centre pairings will be instrumental in this Guinness PRO12 semi-final in order to ignite their respective back lines and ensure that opportunities are created and taken.
Aki has been at the very heart of Connacht's rise and has beaten more defenders (83) and made more carries (251) than any other player in the competition. It's his ability to read the game, his flair and his distribution that drives the province.
Peter Horne will be making his 100th appearance for the Warriors and needs to be ready to use every ounce of that experience. In attack Horne will need to fire and then defensively he needs to be as robust as can be to limit Aki's impact on the game.
Watch Connacht v Glasgow live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday from 6.00pm. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass.