Rugby: Smith and co ready to take next step

Highlanders fullback Ben Smith says his team is ready to progress deeper into the playoffs. Photo / Getty Images

Wiser and more experienced Highlanders look to make it three from three v Chiefs.

Another year older and a lot wiser, the Highlanders plan to put the painful lessons learned in their qualifier defeat 12 months ago to good use against the Chiefs on Saturday.

Ben Smith, who made a game-high 13 ball carries for his team in the 31-27 defeat to the Sharks in Durban last year, believes the experience will do them good.

"We learned a lot from being in the playoffs last year and hopefully we can show that [on Saturday]," Smith said.

"We just learned ... it's pressure rugby. It's a one-off game and you've got to bring a really good attitude and get excited about the opportunities that you get. I just think that experience of being in a playoff game last year will be really good for us. We've got a bit stronger as a team from there and we're really looking forward to it."

Having earned a few days off after their 44-7 demolition of the Blues ahead of a return to their Dunedin glasshouse, that excitement will be a given.

There was no disgrace in their defeat to the Sharks at Ellis Park, either, and they were close to pulling off a remarkable result after sneaking into the playoffs in sixth place.

Jamie Joseph's men had to travel there after a heavy defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch and, given they were 20-13 up early in the second half, they probably should have won it.

Instead, quick tries to Bismarck du Plessis and Tonderai Chavhanga took the match away from them. Although they got to 28-27 thanks to a Phil Burleigh try, Frans Steyn's last-minute penalty made the margin a bit healthier for the relieved home team.

The Highlanders host the Chiefs having beaten Dave Rennie's men twice already this season. There will be pressure on them to go at least a week further into the competition, but, if Smith's demeanour after his team's victory at Eden Park is any indication, they will go into the match with a relaxed and low-key attitude.

More pressure might, in fact, fall on to the shoulders of the Chiefs, who have struggled to get their game going this season and limp into the playoffs after their loss to the Hurricanes in New Plymouth.

Smith is part of a backline which looks at least the equal of the Chiefs'. Malakai Fekitoa is due to return from his groin problem and with Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo in the mix, it has the potential to cause Rennie's defence big problems.

Coach Joseph will be hoping Naholo, who has forced his way into the All Blacks frame, is available after his elbow injury suffered at Eden Park.

The 24-year-old is capable of special acts on the field. But he's also adept at the bread-and-butter stuff which often goes unnoticed - he's safe under the high ball and has a good work-rate on defence.

"He's just a freak, really, in a good way," Smith said.

"We just give him the ball and he gets over the gain line or makes a line break.

"He always takes the right option. He's just someone who is great to have on your team.

"When he gets the ball it gives you confidence because he's such a good player."