Highlanders looking to hit new gear for second half of season

With two wins from their seven games this season, the Highlanders are currently on the outside of the Super Rugby Pacific playoff picture, looking in.

This weekend the team visit Brisbane to take on the Reds in a contest that could place the HIghlanders in a very difficult hole to get out of, or take a major step closer to that desired top eight.

One thing’s for sure, the recent loss to the Rebels in Melbourne was a tough pill to swallow.

“I think we can do better. The players, everyone we’ve got, we’re taking ownership of that, and we’re working hard,” Highlanders assistant coach Kendrick Lynn told media on the Gold Coast.

“We’re having good honest conversations. The guys are training well. What we need to see is for that to translate on to the field.”

Of particular concern might be the team’s defence, which has leaked 47 points in each of the last two contests.

“We can be better, we know we can. But, I wouldn’t put these results down to that,” Lynn added. “It’s a combination of everything.

“Often, in rugby, how you can attack can affect the defence and vice versa. We are working hard on that, and there are things we can do better, but it’s a general mindset about how we want to play.

“We’ve been doubling down on what we can do well and who we are. We’re trying to simplify everything so the guys can play a lot freer and play with more confidence and belief in themselves.”

Centre Tanielu Tele’a will be available for a timely return against the Reds after serving a three-week suspension.

Recent U20 product Ajay Faealaga played his first game in the Highlanders No. 10 jersey against the Rebels, but there’s stiff competition for the role with fellow young gun Cam Millar.

“It wasn’t too bad for a guy in his first start in a team that wasn’t always going forward. He’s got work-ons, like a lot of the guys, but he’s showing enough promise that we can grow him.”