Moore told the Otago Daily Times from Cape Town yesterday the Stormers, the Highlanders' opponents on Sunday, had a tight defence.
"They have only conceded two tries in three outings this season," Moore said.
"Their defence is solid.
"We have analysed their game and worked hard this week to break it and nail points."
Moore was pleased with the way the Highlanders attacked and finished strongly in the last five minutes against the Cheetahs.
The Highlanders need to get dominance up front to crack the Stormers' defence, but it will not be easy.
"They have a physical pack and have got tall timber at lock in Andries Bekker and other tall men in the line-out," Moore said. The coach has confidence in his pack and believes the loose forward trio will give his team the edge over the Stormers.
"I was not happy with the final delivery to the halfback against the Blues," Moore said.
"We did a lot of work to improve that last week."
Moore wanted to minimise any effects of jet lag after the long flight to South Africa and gave the Highlanders a light week before the Cheetahs game.
"We had to be careful in our first week here," Moore said.
"It was a long-haul flight and our arrival was delayed by a day.
"We needed time to acclimatise."
The cautious approach worked and the Highlanders responded with a winning performance against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
The Highlanders were back at more familiar territory at sea level in Cape Town this week and the coaching staff was able to give the team a more energetic workout.
"We ramped up the training this week and gave the team a solid session today," Moore said.
"They should be sharp [by Sunday]."
Moore was disappointed by the Highlanders' performances in their first two games - losses to the Crusaders and the Blues - but was proud of the efforts of his players in the difficult conditions at altitude against the Cheetahs.
"We are buoyed up by our win," he said.
"But the feeling in the team was high before the game.
"There is a lot of belief in our team.
"But we needed that win.
"We have a close group and everyone is in a good frame of mind.
"They know they have to do the job on the paddock."
There are no injury scares in the camp and everyone is available for selection against the Stormers.
Moore indicated there could be one or two changes in the run-on team this weekend.
He would not decide on the goal-kicker for the game until the selectors had finalised the team.
