At the halfway point in the season, and the international mid-season break just around the corner, the Highlanders find themselves at the make or break stage of their own season.
Sunday morning's loss although not too damaging could potentially become the beginning of the end for the Landers. With two matches at home against the Hurricanes, and top of the table Bulls coming up and an ever growing injury list, the Highlanders really need to dig deep in what will be a season defining next couple of weeks I feel.
With their next bye not due until the last round of the season the Highlanders will need to win at least two of the four, if not three of the four games before the international window opens.
I believe the Highlanders really need to target the games against the Hurricanes and the Crusaders. Two teams they have already beaten this season, both very close games.
The Hurricanes from here could go either way. I am leaning towards a spiral out of control in the latter part of the season, but it is important to make sure a strong game is played this week and the Highlanders get at least four points on their home ground.
The Crusaders, with their close-call win over the Reds last week have now leap-frogged the Landers into 5th place. A loss there would make it all that much harder to climb the table and sneak into play-off contention.
But before they face-off with the southern rivals wearing red and black, the boys must take on the Bulls at home and Blues away.
Last season the Highlanders knocked the Bulls off their perch in Africa, ending an 18 match unbeaten at home record, and they always seem to rise to the occasion in New Zealand. Let's hope this weekend is no different.
A win over a team so far up the table would not only help the Highlanders on their quest for the play-off spot, but with all the injuries they have had to play around, the confidence would get a much needed boost I am sure too.
The injuries picked up on the weekend against the Sharks are not ideal, as not many injuries are to any team. Shaun Treeby was starting to get back to his best before breaking his jaw and fracturing his cheek bone, while Doug Tietjens will be missed as loose forward cover for the rest of the year with his ACL gone.
While I'll admit I didn't actually watch the game this past weekend, I did catch the highlights thanks to Sky. The Highlanders seemed to struggle to get into any sort of rhythm, which obviously cost them. It also didn't help that the baby faced assassin (Patrick Lambie) was at his best and scored all 28 points for the Sharks.
Maybe the 21 point comeback last week took its toll on the team. The good thing for them now is to get back in the country, and back to Forsyth where they seem to thrive.
Until game day, I will sit hear patiently and wait for coach Joseph's team, which I am picking will have a bit of a shuffle around.
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