Now Aaron Mauger hopes a more fluid attack is not far away.
The Highlanders head coach is confident the side is moving in the right direction before tonight’s match. It has the daunting task of attempting to snap the Crusaders’ 32-match home winning streak in Christchurch.
That follows last week’s 23-22 win over the Brumbies, which was a much improved effort on the thrashing by the Sharks a week earlier.
Mauger feels there are two key areas that let the side down in week one, the first being defending the aerial game.
Improvements had been made there and it was something the Highlanders would have to do well again tonight.
"I thought we were much better there last week against the Brumbies," he said.
"The Crusaders have a great kicking game as well, so we’re expecting our boys to step up.
"Especially our back field, make sure we’ve got it covered and catch everything in the air.
"It’s about the guys in the front line doing the job to give them that opportunity."
He also felt the side’s physicality had stepped up and that was key.
The team had a 90% tackle rate and it been excited about tackling.
Mauger said nailing those aspects would be key in getting the attack to fire.
"If we can get those two parts right, I think our attack will click, it’s getting better.
"There were good signs last week, starting to move the ball, even in those conditions. So looking for a bit more fluidity in our attack this week."
The Highlanders had done well to remain patient and secure a last-minute win last week.
Mauger felt that was the sign of a tight team and showed the side’s resilience.
However, he also felt its discipline needed to be better so it was not in those positions.
"Probably the lesson for us is not being in that situation at the end of the game.
"I thought we were in control of the game for most of it. Discipline at times and soft outs really let the Brumbies back in.
"If we want to be an 80-minute team we’ve got to be better in those moments.
"That’s the challenge for this team to put the foot on the throat and not let teams into that situation."