Collapse is a word Otago Volts coach Vaughn Johnson wants to avoid today in Hamilton when his side faces top-of-the-table Northern Districts.
Otago has given away three matches this season as a result of poor finishing, according to Johnson.
"We are trying to rebuild our game now. We've been working on doing the basics really well this week and hopefully that shows.
"The last two or three games we could have won and we have just given them away in the second innings."
Otago lost eight second-innings wickets for just 26 runs against Central Districts in Queenstown earlier this week, which gave Central a five-wicket win.
Johnson said performances on the third and fourth day of matches had been a downfall of Otago this season, and if the Volts could remedy that, they could still be in the running for a strong finish in the Plunket Shield.
"Finishing a team off clinically is what we have been trying to do and haven't been able to in the last few matches.
"We don't want to throw the game away."
The Volts will have to be at their best as BJ Watling, Brad Wilson and Hamish Marshall have been in good touch with the bat for Northern.
New Zealand spin bowler Daniel Vettori also claimed his 31st first-class five-wicket bag against Canterbury in Rangiora earlier this week.
"It's just another game, a tough game because they [Northern Districts] have won the last four or five. They're on a bit of a streak."
Johnson has given the left-handed Hamish Rutherford an opportunity to shine by dropping the out-of-form Aaron Redmond, who has averaged 14.27 in six matches this season.
"It's always hard to drop a quality player - and he still is a quality player. He's just been having a tough time in the form department," Johnson said.
"[Rutherford] has been given an opportunity here."
