Table-topping Exeter have been warned that semi-final opponents Northampton are not in town just to make up the numbers.
Saints finished 30 points behind Chiefs and lost more than twice as many games - including a 40-21 thumping at Exeter just seven days ago.
But star man Cobus Reinach claims form is completely irrelevant heading into the play-offs as knockout rugby plays tricks with the mind.
“It’s a semi-final and anything can happen,” said the Premiership’s joint top try-scorer. “History is full of examples of favourites going out in quarters and semis.
“Is it mental thing? Definitely. Some teams become more safe in finals rugby, where you either deliver or go home. There’s that element of risk.”
This might be wishful thinking as Exeter are 80 minutes from a fourth successive final, having finished eight points clear of holders and European champions Saracens.
“Exeter are a very big team who like to throw the ball around but also to try to bully you,” added Reinach, who was shortlisted for Premiership player of the season.
“We have to man up, fight fire with fire and, when we have the opportunity to play, we need to open them up. It needs to be an 80-minute mentality. We can’t just pitch up for 40 or 60 even.”
Saints shift Courtney Lawes to the back row and again do not risk Dylan Hartley against Chiefs, who qualified for the play-offs with five rounds to spare.
