That is very much from the Crusaders’ playbook, but it will be something like the game plan at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.
The Highlanders have made improvements over the past few weeks, but find themselves at the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific standings with six consecutive losses and just three bonus points to their name.
They have to start winning to make the top-eight playoffs.
Their opponent, Moana Pasifika, is one spot higher on the ladder. It edged the Hurricanes in a golden-point thriller to record its maiden victory.
The Auckland-based team has had a busy schedule of late. It has had to squeeze in the games which were postponed earlier in the season because of Covid.
The team has dubbed them the "storm" weeks, and they are physically taxing.
The 24-19 win over the Hurricanes was the first of three games in a nine-day stint.
Moana Pasifika has had six days to prepare for tonight’s match, but Highlanders assistant coach Clarke Dermody felt the visitors were at a disadvantage because of the schedule.
"Potentially, yeah. Obviously, they had a full week coming in [to this game].
"That storm week they had, I know they played some outstanding rugby through there and got tested through their squad. But, I think similar to us, they are creating depth in those positions and we’re preparing for their best team to come down and play.
"They had a good game down here under the roof against the Crusaders earlier in the season, so I’m sure they are looking forward to it as well."
Still, it is a weakness the Highlanders will look to exploit and there is evidence of that on their bench.
New recruit Denny Solomona, the former England winger, will start from the bench as he did in the 17-14 loss to the Crusaders last week.
Utility back Vilimoni Koroi has also been named on the pine,and he will bring some creativity with his attacking game.
Back-up halfback Folau Fakatava has been making a strong impact when he has got on in the latter half of games.
Solomona brings experience to a green back three who have struggled to finish off opportunities and also shut down the opposition out wide.
"He’s been great for the group and, I think you’ve seen from his first touch against the Crusaders, he is pretty hungry to get the ball and do well for us," Dermody said.
That touch was impressive. He climbed higher than his opponent and claimed a high kick to inject some late momentum into the Highlanders effort.
Tasman lock-cum-loose forward Max Hicks has also been named on the bench. He will be making his debut.
"We really wanted to give him a chance and see what he has got. He has been training well ... and has been ready to go for a long time. We feel like it is a good game for him."
Ditto with Koroi. The 23-year-old from Whanganui has not had many opportunities since joining the Highlanders in 2020.
But he brings flair and that ability ought to come in very handy late in the game when players are fatigued.
For the most part, the Highlanders’ pack has been good. They struggled against the Crusaders’ scrum, but have otherwise performed well.
It is out wide where the team has not been in sync. The cavalry should help in that final 20 minutes.
Super Rugby Pacific, Dunedin, 7.05pm
Highlanders: Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Mosese Dawai, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (captain), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Gareth Evans, Folau Fakatava, Vilimoni Koroi, Denny Solomona.
Moana Pasifika: William Havili, Tima Fainga’anuku, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Christian Leali’ifano, Ereatara Enari, Penitoa Finau, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki, Samuel Slade, Veikoso Poloniati, Sekope Kepu (captain), Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth. Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi.
