New Zealand's Highlanders are steeling themselves to take the battle to the Sharks early in their Super Rugby play-off match in Durban.
The sixth-placed Highlanders struggled to find early momentum in their last two matches, falling to the Crusaders 34-8 last week and the table-topping Waratahs 44-16 the week before.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says they were punished for slow starts in both matches, and have been working hard to improve that area of their game.
"It's been those first 20-30 minutes that we haven't been able to get our game going in recent times," he said.
Joseph has recalled lock Jarrad Hoeta to the starting line-up for Saturday's match (early Sunday AEST) with a view to adding early intensity, also bringing in Ged Robinson at hooker as the Highlanders look to bolster their forwards after two sub-par performances.
"We need to start well and we feel that's the right selection for this game," he said.
"The last two performances, especially up front, we haven't performed that well. Jarrad's experience, particularly over here in Africa against these big guys, I think will be invaluable."
In other changes, Lima Sopoaga has received the nod at five-eighth in a bid to get the Highlanders' backline firing early, while co-captain Ben Smith returns from illness at fullback.
"When we can't get our game going right from the start, that's a lot of pressure on our set piece. To be able to start well, we have to win our own ball and it has to be quality."
While the Highlanders downed the Sharks 34-18 in Durban in April, Joseph says they'll be facing a different side this time.
Five-eighth playmaker Pat Lambie has been named on the bench and, although prop Tendai Mtawarira doesn't look to have recovered from a neck injury, halfback Cobus Reinach is a confirmed starter.
Joseph says the Highlanders will have their work cut out against the third-ranked Sharks.
"There's no doubt we're against the odds. They put 20-30 points on the Stormers last week, but the week before that they lost to the Cheetahs.
"They are beatable."
Share
