Cats work to beef up defence

The Cats are determined to show their claws against the Highlanders in tonight's Super 12 match against the southerners at Carisbrook.

Coach Frans Ludeke said there had been much soul-searching since the 64-16 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra last week.

"We were very disappointed with the way we played against the Brumbies," Ludeke said.

"We let ourselves down badly on defence and we've worked on that this week."

Ludeke succeeded Laurie Mains as coach of the Cats and Lions, and said he had much respect for the former All Black coach, now in charge of the Highlanders.

"He changed a lot of things and moulded the teams into winning combinations," he said.

"He took them to another level, mentally. He's very tough mentally himself.

"But it's a challenge for the players and I can see them switching on this week - they're up against their old coach."

Ludeke, 33, a former Lions flanker, said his players were positive about the Carisbrook assignment.

"We've come here to get some points. We definitely think we've got a chance."

The Highlanders welcome back captain and flanker Taine Randell after a calf injury, and the team's confidence is soaring after their 45-4 thrashing of the Sharks at Carisbrook last Saturday.

- NZPA

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