Utility forward Nick Crosswell says the Highlanders have to eliminate their individual errors if they are to beat the table-topping Bulls in their Super Rugby match in Dunedin on Saturday.
The Highlanders dropped to seventh place after their 26-20 loss to the Hurricanes last week and the game against the Bulls looms as must-win if they are to regain their place in the top six.
“Across the board, we made far too many errors against the Hurricanes and you’re always going to be under pressure if you do that,” Crosswell said.
“If we all cut out one or two mistakes individually, there would be a huge lift in our performance.”
The Bulls have eight wins from 10 matches, including consecutive victories over the Rebels and Waratahs, and they will be seeking to celebrate superboot Morne Steyn’s 100th game in style.
“What better team to bounce back against after the disappointment of last week,” Crosswell said.
“They’re a big, tough physical side playing good footy.”
Crosswell said the Highlanders had to be disciplined and avoid conceding penalties within Steyn’s kicking range.
“We’ve conceded too many penalties in our own half in recent weeks and that’s not good enough,” he said. “We’ve got to be better in that area.
“It’s must-win for us. We’re there or thereabouts. It’s the pressure point of the season where some teams fall away and we don’t want to be one of those. Every game for us now is do or die.”
Crosswell was one of the Highlanders’ best players last week after returning from a knee injury which had sidelined him for the previous five games.
He will switch from the blindside flank to lock in a Highlanders’ starting line-up which has four changes from last week.
Prop Chris King, hooker Andrew Hore and lock Josh Bekhuis are being rested and have been replaced by regular captain Jamie Mackintosh, Jason Rutledge and Tim Boys.
It will be the first match Bekhuis has missed this season, leaving No.8 Nasi Manu and backs Tamati Ellison and Hosea Gear as the only players to have started every game.
There is just the one change in the backs, Mike Delany returning at five-eighth in place of Chris Noakes.
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Siale Piutau, Tamati Ellison, Phil Burleigh, Hosea Gear, Mike Delany, Aaron Smith, Nasi Manu, Tim Boys, Adam Thomson, Nick Crosswell, Jarrad Hoeata, Ma’afu Fia, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (capt). Res: Andrew Hore, Bronson Murray, Hoani MacDonald/Josh Bekhuis, Scott Fuglistaller, Jimmy Cowan, Chris Noakes, Kenny Lynn.
