Overcoming the second-half lapses in their loss to the Crusaders will be the goal for the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday when meeting the table-topping Hurricanes as Round 6 kicks off.
Highlanders Coach Jamie Joseph said they were disappointed with their effort in Christchurch last week.
“We kind of blew up a little mentally and that’s we’re talking about this week. We thought we’d let the Crusaders off the hook. We had put ourselves in a good position to play some good footy, so that was disappointing.”
Front row All Blacks Ethan de Groot and Angus Ta’avao have been working hard in lifting the side.
“We talk it through, but the trouble is we can’t talk on Friday night. The Hurricanes are coming and are a very good, strong rugby team. We’ve got to be at the top of our game to take those guys on.
“Every game that we play, whether it’s a derby game or against the Australians, or Moana Pasifika, or Fiji, every game is a real arm wrestle for us.”
Joseph was pleased to have co-captain and loose forward Hugh Renton back after a hard couple of years with injuries.
“He’s had a couple of surgeries but he’s played the last three weeks for our second team. He’s coming back to form now, and is a great leader on the field which was something we needed last week.”
The Hurricanes will have Ruben Love, making his first start of the season, at first five-eighths, outside All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard. Callum Harkin has returned to fullback with Josh Moorby moving to the wing. Billy Proctor will start at centre. Peter Lakai has moved to the open side flanker with Devan Flanders on the blindside and Brayden Iose at No8, while coach Clark Laidlaw has opted for a 6:2 bench.
Laidlaw said they wanted to play Love at first five-eighths when he is fit and healthy. He showed in a 25-minute stint against the Force last week that he could control the ball movement.
“He pulled the strings nicely there.”
He said they are looking forward to their first New Zealand derby.
“We’ve been impressed with their sort of tenacity, the speed they’re trying to play with. We understand that going down there is a big game and an opportunity to test ourselves against a team that’s played well over the past couple of weeks.
Flanders said while they are at the top of the table, there had been lapses, and they are still looking for an 80-minute performance.
They needed more consistency in their skill set and physicality.
“We know it’s going to be physical [in Dunedin], and we’re going to have to work hard, but we’re excited.
“We’re at the top of the table now, but it’s only the beginning. If we can’t stay there or thereabouts, it means nothing. We need to be more consistent in what we’re trying to do.”
Returning to action after their bye week, the Chiefs will have captain and No8 Luke Jacobson back for their visit to Canberra to meet the best-performing Australian side, the ACT Brumbies.
Coach Jono Gibbes said the bye was useful for the side after a tough start to the competition with New Zealand derby games.
“The Brumbies are a terrific side and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini-tour for us. If we get things right, it will help set us for the rest of the season. The guys have looked refreshed since they’ve been back with us.”
The Chiefs have an impressive record of five consecutive wins over the ACT Brumbies but are aware the Canberra-based side will be keen to celebrate prop James Slipper becoming the most capped Super Rugby player in his 203rd appearance, one more than former Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett. To help celebrate the milestone, the ACT Brumbies have launched a #slippersforSlipper campaign, encouraging fans to share a photo of themselves wearing slippers this week.
Moana Pasifika halfback Joel Lam has earned a start for their clash with the Crusaders in their first game on their home ground at Albany on Saturday.
Lam took his chance after Augustine Pulu was red-carded for a high tackle against the Blues last week and impressed with the control he showed in the position. Lam made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Crusaders in 2023 and joined Moana Pasifika on an interim contract during the pre-season.
Bolstering the side will be second five-eighths Julian Savea in his first game of the season, while flanker Nico Jones will also return, on the openside flank.
Coach Tana Umaga said, “We’re excited about being home; that’s a huge motivation for us.
“Joel’s done a good job in the minimal times he’s had, and now he’s got the starting bib, so everything’s in front of him. When he came on [last week], he looked like he’d been there already. He didn’t look flustered. He’s played international rugby for Manu Samoa. He’s one of our fittest, if not the fittest in our team and he’s got a thirst to learn.”
The Crusaders will be without captain David Havili, who is suffering from a heel injury. While expected to be out for a month, it will be a week-by-week proposition.
“Dave will be missed. The boys love him and love playing for him, so we’re looking forward to getting him back when he’s right.”
His injury has left as many as 14 players unavailable, though after next week’s bye, many of them should be fit to be considered again.
Making his debut will be first five-eighths Cooper Grant – the result of Rivez Reihana suffering a delayed concussion.
Penney said Grant, from the Tasman region, has been playing well for the Development XV, and it is an opportunity for him to step up.
“He’s got a very confident demeanour, he uses his voice well and has an outstanding skill set. He’s new to this level, and there’ll be some adjustment, but he’s got experience inside and outside him. So, hopefully, he’ll be given a nice, comfortable ride.
“When the blowtorch is on him, we’ve very confident that he’ll have the right answers to the questions.”
His promotion was another demonstration of the depth in the Crusaders’ squad after flanker Johnny Lee’s two-try debut last week and Kurtis Macdonald getting an opportunity off the bench.
Penney said they were not happy with the disciplinary issues that led to three yellow cards against the Highlanders, but they have worked on that. The grit and determination shown under those circumstances were pleasing, and they want to build on that.
“When we get it right, we’ll be dangerous. When we have moments of real fluidity and connection, we’re really good and, hopefully, we can stack those moment back-to-back more consistently and keep growing.”
The Blues have rung the changes for their game against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
Hooker Bradley Slater will start after recovering from an abdominal strain, while Sam Matenga will start at tighthead prop. No8 Malachi Wrampling will have his first start while Finlay Christie returns to the starting halfback position.
Pita Ahki is back at second five-eighths with Zarn Sullivan at fullback, with Payton Spencer set to make his debut from the bench.
Coach Vern Cotter said they expect another tough physical challenge.
“The Waratahs are always a dangerous side, particularly at home in Sydney, so we’ll need to be accurate and disciplined for 80 minutes.
“Our focus has been on continuing to adapt and improve our game. We’ve built a strong foundation this season, so it’s about ensuring we keep growing.”