Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith said last Monday was as tough as they come as the side dissected the ugly loss to the Cheetahs, reviewing what went wrong.
''The review was pretty tough and there was a few hard words to hear. But it was what we needed to hear,'' Smith said.
''We needed a bit of honesty. We had prepared pretty well but just did not turn up, really. We got put in the washing machine a little bit and could not get out.''
That game is history now, although the 36-19 scoreline will not change. The only way is up for the Highlanders, with the Hurricanes coming to town for a crunch match at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.
Smith (24) said the side had bounced back well at training and discussed ways to improve.
''Obviously on Monday there was bit of doom and gloom but since then we have been really positive and got excited again. The edge is back, and now we are keen to get out there and get the ball rolling.''
But words are just that, words. Actions count for more.
The Highlanders need to play much better than last week in all facets of the game, starting first and foremost with treasuring the ball. Too often last week the ball was given away without a fight.
Smith and the side have been getting the message loud and clear this week.
''It is about being patient on defence and on attack. There has been a bit of honesty this week on where we want to go. We don't want to freak out a little bit but we definitely need to get a few simple things right this week.
''If we get them right, then we will be in with a shout, which is something to get excited about.
''You can't have these lapses throughout the game. It is about staying in the game the whole time and not giving the other team a sniff. We need to build pressure in our game.''
He was tipping a big performance from the men in front of him this week.
''Our forward pack is hurting a bit from last week. I would expect them to go into this game with a bit of bite and come out firing.''
The incumbent All Black halfback said his own form was not where he wanted.
''I need to get a bit of consistency there. But it was pretty tough. I had a few pre-season games and then we had a game and then a stump in the road with the week off.''
Smith said there was a long season ahead and it would not live or die on tomorrow night.
''You don't go into the game as a must win, but there are some things in our game which we need to sort out. Being patient, getting into the game and getting some accuracy back into our set piece and attack. Just control what we control, and really punishing teams when we can.
''I think we have given teams a lot, not really helping ourselves with what we have done.''
The Highlanders will name their team today. Ma'a Nonu is under an injury cloud with a sore knee. He did not train yesterday but team management hope he will recover in time.