The Highlanders will play the second and final game of their short trip to South Africa tomorrow morning NZ time, taking on the Sharks in Durban.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said it had been an excellent trip for the team but it was part of a block the team had looked at before heading off.
They would have a busy few weeks, flying back to Dunedin after the game and then playing the Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium next Saturday.
The side then has two games in Australia before the final match of this part of the season, against the Hurricanes on June 1.
Mauger said the side was in good spirits.
"We’ve had a fantastic time on tour and there has been a lot of growth and some good connections within the group, on and off the field," he said.
"Those young guys have spent some time with the older, more experienced leaders and that has really helped them with their growth."
The side will have to be on its game this week against a Sharks side which will be well rested after having the bye last week.
The Sharks sit bottom of the South African conference but one wonders why, as they have looked good in many parts of their game. But a few brain-fades in defence and indiscipline has cost the team.
For the Highlanders, the focus will be on the scrum and getting a decent share of possession.
Mauger said the side’s scrum coach Clarke Dermody and his front row had been working on a few technicalities on the scrum after it was back-pedalling against the Bulls last week.
The Highlanders scrum was affected by a poor hook on one feed and another scrum had a loose forward detaching early. Credit had to be paid to the Bulls efforts in the scrum, Mauger said.
The side had come out well from games when it had not had a lot of ball.
"Against the Blues we managed to defend well and they had to carry the ball a lot. We were only putting one or two men into the breakdown and they had three or four. Towards the end of the game we were looking the more energetic team.
"There are opportunities for us to be a little bit more aggressive around the collision — look to be more dominant. We’ve had the chance to get the ball back and get some turnovers."
Mauger said it was an important game for the team.
Lock Jackson Hemopo has hit first rest of the season and will start off the bench while Alex Ainley gets his first start. Aki Seiuli starts, as does blindside flanker Shannon Frizell.
Ben Smith moves to fullback with Waisake Naholo coming back into the side on the right wing.
Sio Tomkinson starts on the left wing, replacing the injured Tevita Li.
Matt Faddes rolled his ankle in training earlier in the week but it had improved over the past couple of days and he was expected to take his place on the reserve bench.
Josh McKay, who is yet to play for the Highlanders, was bracketed with Faddes.Former Highlanders prop Ross Geldenhuys is in the reserves for the Sharks while Tendai Mtawarira returns to the team from injury.
Highlanders v Sharks
Durban, tomorrow, 3.15am
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Sio Tomkinson, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Kalolo Tuiloma, Jackson Hemopo, Elliot Dixon, Kayne Hammington, Josh Ioane, Matt Faddes or Josh McKay
Sharks: Curwin Bosch, Sbu Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Robert du Preez, Cameron Wright, Daniel du Preez, Jean-Luc du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Ruan Botha (captain), Tyler Paul, Thomas du Toit, Akker van der Merwe, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Franco Marais, Juan Schoeman, Ross Geldenhuys, Stephan Lewies, Jacques Vermeulen, Louis Schreuder, Marius Louw, Lwazi Mvovo
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)