The Isuzu Southern Kings will have extra gas in their tank this season and will not fade away during the latter stages of matches, prop Schalk Ferreira said.
A lack of preseason training counted heavily against the Kings last season, when they struggled to come to terms with life in the Guinness PRO14, winning only one of 21 matches.
The Kings open the new season with a tough match against Italian outfit Zebre at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in Parma on Friday night.
“Last year we dropped off in the last 10 or 20 minutes after being in the game until then,” Ferreira said.
“This time there has been a big focus for us to play the full 80 minutes.”
Ferreira, who led the Kings when first-choice captain Michael Willemse was injured, said a strong bond had been developed among the players.
“When a team is under pressure they bond and this has been the case with our small group of players.
“We knew from the start we do not have the luxury of a second-string side.
“We only have a first team, and if we pick up any injuries we will be in trouble. This has made the group tighter.”
The Kings cancelled a training session against the Border Bulldogs last Saturday because of injury fears.
Ferreira, however, does not think the lack of a warm-up game will count against the team.
“There are pros and cons to not having a warm-up game and we will take the positives out of this situation.
“Sometimes you get so many injuries in warm-ups.
“We have contact sessions in training and we will be fresh for our first game.
“I think the players like Berton Klaasen and Bobby de Wee, who were both with us last season, have more confidence now.
“The core group from last season are still here and the vibe in the team is tight.
“The first game will be tough for both sides and we are prepared.
“Our player numbers are down so we were grateful to hear that we had signed quality players like Bjorn Basson and Ulrich Beyers.”
Ferreira, who picked up a calf strain in training, is confident he will be fit to face Zebre.
The Kings play the Dragons in Wales on September 8 and Ulster on September 16 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.