Few players in the Hurricanes have experience in the playoffs at Super Rugby level but Barrett embraced the occasion.
"It all starts this week, first week of real pressure, knockout football. So, we can't see that as a burden."
The Hurricanes have not hosted a semifinal at Westpac Stadium since 2006 and it is expected to be a sell-out crowd this weekend.
"We're just going to thrive off that energy," Barrett said.
A number of Hurricanes, including Conrad Smith, Ben Franks, Jeremy Thrush and Ma'a Nonu, will leave the franchise at season's end and they could depart the capital in perfect fashion with a Super Rugby title.
"We do want to give the guys a good send off ... and I'm sure if we play to our potential hopefully we'll get there," Barrett said.
Wing Cory Jane will not be available this week due to a hamstring injury.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said this put pressure on when it came to team selection but wing Nehe Milner-Skudder (hamstring) was deemed fit to take Jane's place, leaving the fullback position for James Marshall.
"I'm pretty confident with the boys that I've got but it's bad luck for Cory," Boyd said.
This week will be the first time the Hurricanes will meet the Brumbies this year due to the unique format within Super Rugby.
Their previous clash saw the Brumbies beat the Hurricanes 29-21 in round four last season and the Canberra outfit have had the wood on the Hurricanes in years gone by but Boyd wasn't worried about the history.
"Historically, the Brumbies might have beaten the Hurricanes but they haven't beaten this [year's] team."
