Their next challenge comes in the form of the Stormers who were beaten 39-21 by the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
"They'll be hurting after what happened last week," Plumtree said. "So we'll be expecting them to respond pretty positively in terms of intensity."
The Stormers may welcome back a couple of players, namely Duane Vermeulen, and Plumtree said they would bring the physicality associated with any South African team.
"We'll have to really step up in the pack."
The Hurricanes rested a handful of All Blacks - Beauden Barrett, Ben Franks and Julian Savea - for last week's game with the Rebels but they will likely return this week. Hooker Dane Coles (elbow) also missed the win over Melbourne but is fit again.
"We've got a lot of respect for the Stormers," Plumtree said. "They've been a top side for a long period of time."
The 4-2 Stormers aren't often daunted by playing in New Zealand and will pose a stern test for the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium on Friday.
Hurricanes flanker Brad Shields said his side's impressive start to the campaign was also down to the foundations laid by Mark Hammett during his coaching tenure from 2011-2014.
"We've had a similar group, a core group, that's been around for the last three or four years," Shields said.
"It makes a huge difference and I think we've all matured together. We know how each other plays, we know what makes each other tick. We are not afraid to say something if something's not right."
Second-five Ma'a Nonu has also enjoyed a solid campaign on his return to the capital after last playing for the Hurricanes in 2011.
"I think the boys are just enjoying having his company around; he seems to be enjoying his footy so it's a bonus for us that he's playing well," Shields said.
"His experience is probably one of the biggest things that's rubbing off on the younger guys."
