Extra pressure from playing the top two DHL Super Rugby Pacific teams, the Chiefs and Crusaders, on consecutive weekends will ease for the Highlanders on Sunday, but they expect to apply lessons learned in their quest to beat Moana Pasifika at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Assistant coach Ben Smith said the Highlanders showed they have the players to compete but must ensure they utilise opportunities when at the right end of the field.
“The quality of players we’ve got down here is top-notch. We didn’t get it right [against the Crusaders], and the boys are determined to put it right against Moana Pasifika this week.
“Under the captaincy of Ardie Savea and how they’re playing, they’ve got their identity sorted around…