Rugby: Highlanders hope success continues

Jimmy Cowan of the Highlanders scores a try. Photo / Getty Images

The Highlanders have returned to ground zero as they prepare for their Super 14 rugby match against the Queensland Reds in Invercargill on Saturday night, says assistant coach Peter Russell.

The Highlanders have started a little roll - three wins from their past four games with their victims including defending champions the Crusaders and the 2007 champions the Bulls.

But Russell is adamant the Highlanders, refreshed after a bye week, have their feet firmly on the ground as they try to at least retain and possibly improve their present seventh place.

"We've got to put the Bulls match out of our minds. We've got a new challenge now - three games in New Zealand and then the tour, with two games in South Africa and one in Perth."

Russell, coach of the successful Hawkes Bay team for the past two seasons, is relishing his first taste of professional coaching and is encouraged by the improvements he has noticed in the Highlanders.

"The expectations are quite high on us now. We know we can beat the Reds but we have to be clinical in everything we do. Few teams are good enough to let their guard down at this level and still win."

Russell is reasonably satisfied with the Highlanders' haul of 18 points from seven games, though still frustrated at the gut-wrenching narrow losses to the Brumbies, Hurricanes and Chiefs.

"But the bonus points have been more than handy. They've put us up there. The game against the Bulls was very critical, going into the bye week.

"There was a special feeling during and after that match. What we did in training during the week played out during the game and that's always very satisfying.

"I think the leaders in the backs and the forwards are cottoning on to what we're trying to do, week in and week out. It's all about attitude and preparation."

Russell, who is in charge of the backs, has been pleased by their development.

"We're trying new things each week and they can see the reasoning. I think they have more confidence to have a go and there's also more awareness of what opposition teams offer on defence.

"New Zealand, South African and Australian teams are all different on defence and we've got to match horses for courses, and players for situations."

The Highlanders have reported back injury-free for training this week and they should have a full squad to choose from when the team is named today.

- NZPA