NSW Waratahs captain Jake Gordon believes the side is ready to handle the pressure that will come ahead of Friday's opener against the Highlanders.
The Waratahs will unveil a host of new high-profile signings at Allianz Stadium, headlined by fullback Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
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It's left the Waratahs in the rare position of having finals expectations fresh off a wooden spoon.
"Probably this year a little bit more than others but at the start of every Super Rugby season, you're a little bit anxious and excited," Gordon told reporters.
"Joseph's been great for the group and he's come in and we know his aerial skills, how good he is in the air but his professionalism has been really impressive.
"We can feel the hype, we're just trying to relax until the game comes but we're excited."
As Gordon was speaking, Suaalii showed how relaxed he was as he went through his visualisation stages post-training.
The fullback was walking through the motions of attacking and defensive scenarios with his boots to the side and without ball in hand.
He then retreated to a spot between the 22- and 10-metre lines to sit and reflect on the session and the game ahead.
"It's probably the 10th time I've seen him do this," Gordon said about the approach.
"It's not a shock but this is a little bit like how we talk about his professionalism. And I was lucky enough to share his Wallabies debut, and it probably doesn't get too much bigger than that at Twickenham."
The Waratahs have entered seasons with similar expectations but fell victim to the pressure.
Gordon and the Waratahs are well aware of this, with their first month seeing them stay in Sydney for games against the Highlanders, Drua and Force.
"It's a tough one; the balancing act of being aspirational is really hard, and I actually think part of it's probably being in Sydney and competing with all the other codes, and everyone wants a back of winning years," he explained.
"I wouldn't say that we've come out and been outlandish...this year we just want to focus on playing well, we don't want to worry about whatever's coming.
"If we can reach our potential and play really strong as a team, we'll be really confident."
"...We see this as a real good opportunity in the first three games to slowly get into our work and hopefully play some really good rugby.
