"Having seen Wesley play, it's given us an opportunity to do some good homework - not only analyse our game but try to work on some areas that we can breach or exploit them," Simpkins said.
Above all he wanted the players to enjoy themselves on the field.
"We believe that when they're having fun they play their best rugby, so we've given them a bit of licence to throw the ball around.
"However, we believe defence wins games, so we'll be concentrating on sticking to our structures and really nailing our core roles around our defensive areas," he said.
We have a great double header for you this Saturday! In the curtain raiser the University of Waikato Chiefs Cup final...
Posted by Gallagher Chiefs on Wednesday, 23 May 2018
Co-director of rugby Deon Muir said the team's defence so far this year had been pleasing, they were yet to concede a try.
"We're trying to build a bit of a reputation around that because defence often wins games. If we can keep building around our defence and keep to our structures and discipline around that we'll go a long way.
"The defence often determines our attitude in attack, so that has been pleasing," Muir said.
When asked if, as coaches, they needed to keep the players calm ahead of such a big occasion, Simpkins said it was actually a situation they thrived in.
"We've sort of found that in that atmosphere we tend to play really well. I think our preparation for these big games, we've been really good at it. We'll just do the basics well - we don't tend to hype these things up too much, we try to keep it as normal as possible."
The team has Queen's Birthday weekend off before the Super 8 competition starts on June 9.
Simpkins said the team had a "fantastic" pre-season.
"It hasn't all gone our way but we're finally in a place we're pleased with, but certainly not content. We need to keep working hard because the Super 8 competition is really hard.
"We're not taking any team for granted. Hamilton Boys' are always a force, New Plymouth I think are looking quite tidy this year. Every team has their own merits and on any given day anyone can beat anyone else."
