Hall (28), the first-choice hooker, says the Highlanders have more of an attacking emphasis this year and want to score more tries.
But he said scoring more tries did not matter much when the other side scored just as many, and ended up ahead on the scoreboard.
"I don't think it is about not being able to win games. It is more about not being able to close games down. We've had the chances to just shut teams out of the game and that didn't happen," Hall said.
Last week the Highlanders took a one-point lead with two minutes on the clock against the Brumbies but turned the ball over straight after receiving the kick-off, then lost the game to a last-minute dropped goal.
"We probably missed Jamie [Mackintosh] and Jimmy [Cowan] at the end there. We got ourselves into that winning situation but just couldn't close it out. We just needed to hang on to the ball and make better decisions."
Hall was not on the field in the final minutes, after succumbing to cramp in both his calves, which he said abated only after he had made it to the reserve bench.
The match was the first of the year, and Hall said it was not surprising to get cramp in a fast-paced match.
He also strained a hip, but after starting slowly at training this week, he is fit and ready for the Hurricanes tonight.
Hall, who grew up on a farm in Waimatuku, near Riverton, will not have his usual propping partner beside him tonight, with Mackintosh unable to take the field because of a knee injury.
Chris King comes in to replace Mackintosh, and Hall said there was still work needed on the scrummaging, and the line-out.
In his third season with the Highlanders, Hall said he enjoyed being first-choice hooker after having to stand in line behind Anton Oliver and Jason Macdonald.
"It's quite tough not being first choice and having to wait your turn. But then when you get to be first choice, the guy behind you really wants your spot. So I don't know what is easier."
He played loose forward for Southland last season but said that was not an option this season for the Highlanders.
Hall is signed to the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of next year and is making plans for the future. He bought a farm in Tasmania with his brother, Greg, last year.
The game is an important one for Hall, for without Mackintosh, he will have to make his presence felt.
The Hurricanes' scrum was wonky last week against the Waratahs and will want to be more solid to let a lethal backline away.
The Hurricanes have some of their best weapons on the bench, with All Black backs Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith not starting the game, though primed to come on to boost the capital side.
With Highlanders captain Cowan also missing through injury, the onus goes on to Sean Romans to provide good ball for his outsides.
Piri Weepu was confirmed in the Hurricanes team yesterday, after overcoming an injury.
The Highlanders' line-out went missing at times against the Brumbies, and securing ball will be vital. With wet weather predicted, whichever team makes fewer mistakes may come out on top.
• For the second straight game, the Highlanders will have a different referee from the one scheduled.
Keith Brown pulled out yesterday with injury and is replaced by Vinny Munro from Canterbury. Brown will be the television match official.
Last week Matt Goddard was replaced by fellow Australian James Leckie.
