The transition from player to coach has come with it's challenges for Johnny Sexton, but the former Irish international believes that the Lions are close to finding that complete performance as the first Test with the Wallabies draws ever closer.
Arriving in a windy, overcast Canberra, Sexton admitted it brought back memories of the corresponding match 12 years ago - watching from the stands as the Brumbies defeated the Lions 14-12.
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"Yes, it's as cold as it was," Sexton joked with reporters on Tuesday.
"I remember it was even colder than the night of the game. I sat up there with my jacket and hat on and scarf and every layer of clothes I had. It was a tough game that night.
"We had a lot of disruption, new players coming in. I think we brought maybe five guys in fresh into the team. There wasn't a lack of effort, but we just couldn't get a performance out there that warranted a victory."
Now in the coaches' box, Sexton will be out to settle the score from 12 years ago, with the Lions naming a near full-strength side to take on the Brumbies tomorrow.
The Brumbies will be without eight on their biggest stars, with only five players with international experience set to run out against the Lions - however, that number is eerily similar to the eight Wallabies who were also unavailable for the 2013 game.
Regardless, Sexton made it clear that he is not taking the Canberra side lightly - with both the ACT climate and the side set to offer up several unique challenges.
"[In terms of different preparation,] definitely the climate," he said.
"We know that tomorrow night at eight o'clock it's going to be dewy, greasy ball. We didn't think it would be like that then in Sydney.
"It was bone dry all week for the few days that we were there, but the pitch was very wet. They had a tactic to come and disrupt us, but it's probably prepared us really well for this week. In some ways, they did us a favour.
"It's realising the greasy ball, realising how the Brumbies play, coming at a good bit of line speed, trying to make things as hard as they can for us.
"They're a good team. They're a very good team.
"Probably the best Australian franchise - and they've put in a lot of good performances against us in the past, and we expect no different tomorrow."
The fast-paced approach of the Lions has come as a crash course for Sexton - with the 118-capped Irish star handling kicking coaching, plus providing input on halves combinations.
The Lions have undergone several changes, frequently chopping and making changes - but Sexton believes the side is getting closer to a more realised style of play.
"Andy [Farrell] creates an environment where we're all in it together. Obviously, I give my input where it's needed," Sexton added.
"We're just taking it game by game, really. The guys have a huge opportunity to keep their own good form going, try and get another good result.
"We're really just game by game focused. We've never been fully happy with any of the performances.
"We always try and take the result out of it and just focus on the different areas of the game. There was plenty in the last game that we need to improve on. The Brumbies have spoken about how they've seen some chinks in our armor and how they're going to go after us.
"I think the group needs to realise that every time you play in the jersey, it means a lot and you have to remember it.
"I remember what happened 12 years ago. I remember what happened 24 years ago.
"These games stick in people's memories, despite it not being as important as the test. You've got to make the most of every opportunity out in the jersey.
"It's a challenge for the coaches, but that's the beauty of a Lions tour, isn't it?"
With the Wallabies scraping over the line against Fiji in Newcastle, questions around the Wallabies form coming into the match, but Sexton, from experience, believes that Schmidt will have the side ready to go come Test one in Brisbane.
"We know for sure that Joe likes to set things up in terms of what he shows against Fiji," Sexton said.
"It will be very different to what he shows against the Lions.
"He's a smart guy, he's doing a great job with Australia, I think, 18 months ago. People were worried about this tour and now it's all to play for. It's fantastic for the series.
"That's what all good coaches do, they analyse the team and they try and make it as hard as possible."
Sexton and the Lions will have a quick turnaround after Canberra - with a forthcoming match against a wildcard side in the AUNZ Invitational XV, who are deep in preparation in Adelaide.
From there, all eyes turn to Brisbane - and Sexton admits that will come with pressure all it's own.
"I've not experienced it as a coach yet," Sexton conceded.
"But I predict that it's going to feel like, oh great, we've got a week to prepare - but then we realise it's the first test, we're preparing, and the stress will come in. Heightened, I suppose, pressure will be there.
"Despite the fact that we have twice as long to prepare, it will be higher pressure. It's something that every coach has to remember."
