The Highlanders want their old turnover skills back if they are to avoid being swamped by the Waratahs in their Super Rugby quarter-final.
A classic attack versus counter-attack battle looms in Sydney on Saturday, with the visitors acknowledging they could face a long night at the office if they don’t tidy up their defence.
The Kiwi side has conceded 127 points in their last three games.
Heavy losses to the Chiefs and Crusaders after the June international break were followed by last week’s thrilling 43-37 defeat of the Melbourne Rebels.
The same leaks will be pounced on by a Waratahs side whose 557 points scored leads Super Rugby in 2018.
Outside backs Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Curis Rona are all among the top 10 players for clean breaks.
On the flip side, the Highlanders have made – and missed – considerably more tackles than any team, often happy to kick away possession and rely on counter-attacking strike off turnovers.
Highlanders assistant coach Clarke Dermody noted the turnovers have dried up in recent weeks.
“Teams have been able to hold that ball and we haven’t been able to get it back as fast as we would like,” he told AAP.
“Potentially later in games, tiredness can then have an effect especially against the calibre of teams we’ve come up against. They’re either teams in the play-offs or trying to get there and attacks have sharpened right up.”
Highlanders forwards Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt and Tom Franklin are the three most prolific tacklers in Super Rugby this season.
All three were rested from the starting side against the Rebels and will be refreshed for Sydney, along with key All Blacks backs Ben and Aaron Smith.
Dermody says a vast improvement is needed against a Waratahs team who overwhelmed them 41-12 two months ago in the match which broke Australia’s long winless drought in trans-Tasman matches.
“The Waratahs are by far the best team in Australia,” Dermody said.
“They’ve got attacking threats all over. The good thing is we understand what we’re coming up against.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
The Melbourne Rebels have taken a giant step toward securing a maiden finals berth after knocking over the Highlanders 47-31 on Saturday evening. On…
Some more Corey Toole magic has helped the Brumbies overcome the Highlanders, as Stephen Larkham’s men sealed a 27-21 win to come away with…
The Waratahs made their return to Allianz Stadium hoping to make it consecutive wins against New Zealand opposition for the first time since 2015.…
The Waratahs' comprehensive win over the Crusaders was the upset of Super Round, and should be celebrated accordingly, but emotionally fuelled desperation cannot be…
A piece of individual magic from Stephen Perofeta and a Hoskins Sotutu hat-trick has seen the Blues overcome a gritty Highlanders team 37-29 in…
The Highlanders picking up the mantle of the black sheep of the Kiwi rugby teams from the Blues has meant the team has become…
