Steve Hepburn

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore believed his side put on its best 80-minute performance of the season in dispatching the Waratahs last night.

Tickets for the All Blacks v Wales test at Carisbrook continue to sell at a brisk pace and may be sold out by the time they are due to go on national sale.

Highlanders and All Black loose forward Adam Thomson admits playing for a winning side does breed confidence and make you play better, but he will find it hard to leave Otago and the Highlanders.

Highlanders first five-eighth Michael Hobbs says his form has mirrored the side's this year, and both need some consistency in their game as they begin what he calls "a mini-season".

Otago rugby is building a war chest as it tries to find three or four key players in what it views as a critical year.

The Highlanders are missing targets both on and off the field.

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore had not pressed the panic button, though his options were limited when he named his side to take on the Hurricanes in the Super 14 match in Dunedin tomorrow night.

Otago coach Phil Mooney is settling into his work as Otago rugby coach. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to the Australian about what he has been up to so far and the team he left behind.

Highlanders midfield back Jason Shoemark says the coaches can not take the blame for the side's disappointing performance this year.

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore says the biggest pressure comes from within, and he is not listening to those calling for his head.

The injury toll is continuing to mount for the Highlanders, with hooker Jason Macdonald out for the rest of the season, after rupturing his Achilles tendon, and halfback Sean Romans on crutches after a nasty hamstring injury.

Highlanders prop Chris King will chalk up his 50th appearance for the side this afternoon, and says it has all gone in a blur.

As the Highlanders reflect on their seventh loss of the year, coach Glenn Moore will have to face his bosses in the next 10 days to review what is shaping up to be a forgettable season.

All Black and Highlanders loose forward Adam Thomson admits he will be looking at his options when his Otago contract comes up for renewal at the end of the season, although any move north could be scuttled by a change in the way contracts are handled.

The Highlanders have made just one change to the starting team to play the Force in Queenstown tomorrow, as the side looks forward to a rare day game.