The Highlanders need to be shown a bit more respect, their former coach, Greg Cooper, believes.
Cooper, who coached the side from 2004 to 20007, said he had been really impressed by the performance of the team this year and said it was extremely well coached.
''Just the way people were talking before the match [on Saturday], they were saying what they had achieved and had almost over-achieved. But we need to show them some respect and realise how good some of their players are. The development which has gone on with some players,'' he said.
''We are an extremely well-coached team. We are very well organised and have a great team spirit.
''They have some great players. In nine and 15, they are the best in the world in their positions. They have other good players around the park and others playing to the best of their ability.
''I think that is a reflection of the environment which has been created, the coaching and the leadership.''
Cooper coached the Highlanders to victories in Sydney in 2004 and 2007 and said this weekend would be a tough match.
''It's always a hard one in Sydney. Tactically, we have to expose them in certain situations. It is an interesting one as when they came over here earlier in the season, they were a good side when they played us. But they were not playing as well then as they are now.
''The positive we have is we are extremely good at reading the opposition. We will have the appropriate game plan to suit the opposition.
''We won't change the core of our game plan but add little wee subtleties. An example of that is the way the Chiefs picked a slow loose forward on their scrum last week and you get someone like Aaron Smith to expose that.''
He said the game on Saturday night would be tight and the momentum of the Waratahs had to be stopped.
''We have to get off the line quickly, win the gain line, win the collision, and they won't get momentum. We must stop the likes of Will Skelton from getting a roll on.''
Cooper said the home side could be put under pressure if the Highlanders dominated the game line and did not let the Waratahs run.
The Highlanders beat the Waratahs 26-19 earlier this season at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The win in 2004 came through a 21-point comeback and Cooper said it was an amazing game which the Highlanders won 29-28.
The side went down to 14 men, and then watched ace Waratahs kicker Matt Burke hit the post with a penalty from in front at the end of the game.
In 2007, the Highlanders won their other game in Sydney, another tight one, coming out on top 26-25.
Cooper is now back living permanently in Dunedin after coaching for seven years in Japan for the NEC side.
He is still an adviser for the side but his shoes have been filled in Japan by former Highlanders captain Craig Newby.
Newby has joined NEC after coaching in England and Cooper said it was a good move for Newby to expand and develop his coaching skills.
Cooper said he had really enjoyed his time in Japan but it was great to be home. He had started working for Cutlers as a real estate agent.
