No second guesses needed for how the Brumbies will look to attack the Highlanders in Melbourne tomorrow.
While all the talk this week has been about whether the Australian teams have substantially improved since last year’s shellacking at the hands of the five New Zealand teams, Lentjes has been focused on the physical challenge.
"They are big boys. On average they would be bigger than us and they play a really direct set piece orientated game and they have had success there," Lentjes said.
"And they’ve had success there against us in the past, so I think that is exactly where they will be coming [at us]."
The Brumbies and the Reds were the only Australian teams which managed a win in Super Rugby Trans Tasman last season.
The Brumbies edged the Hurricanes 12-10 and the Reds defeated the Chiefs 40-32.
They have been the best of the Australian teams again this season, but have been playing in what has been perceived as a weaker conference across the Tasman.
"I think their competition has been much the same. The Brumbies and the Reds are still very good sides.
"And I think, if anything, last year would have just put us on notice — they’ll be after us."
The Highlanders are missing a key cog up front. Lock Josh Dickson was banned for three weeks following a high shot during the 22-21 loss to the Hurricanes in Dunedin last week.
He has been instrumental in the Highlanders’ success in the lineout. The team has launched a series of successful drives off the phase and that has proved very productive.
Sam Caird gets the start in Dickson’s absence and will be making his debut.
Rookie Max Hicks, who has performed well when he has had opportunities, will provide cover from the bench.
But Dickson is a big loss.
"Sam Caird is a good player in his own right and he gets his opportunity. He’s a big boy and he has played over in Aussie ... so he knows exactly what is coming."
Caird has had some rotten luck while waiting for some game time. He was close contact and had to isolate. Then he got Covid-19 and had to isolate again.
He is starting from the bench, but will have a key role to play in the absence of heavy ball carriers Shannon Frizell and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u.
Lentjes is really looking forward to seeing what he is capable of at the next level.
"I’m pumped for Chris. I’ve seen him play and I’ve played with him at Otago.
"He broke his hand in Queenstown before he went to play, which is a shame because he was going really well. But he just has an awesome point of difference with his ball carry.
He’s got a massive future I think."
The Highlanders were disappointed following the close loss to the Hurricanes. But Lentjes said the review was reasonably positive.
The team believes it is getting closer to playing the kind of game it wants to play.
"We do a lot of good stuff but then we miss the odd tackle that puts us under pressure, or we give away a silly penalty.
"But a lot of teams do that. We’re just not getting the rub of the green at the moment."
Classy halfback Nic White will lead the Brumbies once again, while towering lock Cadeyrn Neville will combine with Darcy Swain in the second row with the backrow of Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu restored for the round 10 clash.
Midfielders Irae Simone and Len Ikitau have started every game this season and the combination gets the nod again.
Super Rugby Pacific
Melbourne, tomorrow, 4pm
Highlanders: Mitch Hunt, Freedom Vahaakolo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Mosese Dawai, Marty Banks, Folau Fakatava, Gareth Evans, James Lentjes (captain), Hugh Renton, Sam Caird, Bryn Evans, Jermaine Ainsley, Liam Coltman, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Hohneck,
Max Hicks, Billy Harmon, Kayne Hammington, Sam Gilbert, Christian Lio-Willie.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Cam Clark, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Nic White (captain), Pete Samu, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Sefo Kautai, Lachlan Lonergan, Scott Sio. Reserves: Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper, Tom Ross, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Rod Iona, Hudson Creighton.
