South African sides may be sitting at the top of the Super 14 table but Highlanders assistant coach Peter Russell says their true ability will not be known until they leave the country.
The Highlanders arrived back in Dunedin yesterday after a three-week trip to South Africa which included two losses to the Bulls and Stormers - sides which sit first and second on the table.
Russell said the loss to the Stormers was probably the most disappointing performance of the tour, with the home side winning 33-0 in front of a big crowd at Cape Town.
"They lived off our mistakes and they have got pretty seasoned campaigners in all of those teams who make it pretty hard over there," Russell said.
"We were playing in a packed stadium against a ferocious Stormers side who were on the backlash after losing against the Brumbies.
"But in saying that they [South African teams] still struggle away from home.
"I think we still adapt better than them when we are touring.
"None of the South African sides have won a game away from home yet."
Russell said home advantage was big for the South African teams especially the Bulls, who made the most of the boot of Morne Steyn and chasing kicks.
"They run hard after the ball and give it their all.
"But there are no phases, no throwing the ball around.
"They just kick and chase the ball."
Russell said the Bulls, and the Stormers, have yet to tour, and until they played away from home, their true ability would not be known.
The team had a short training session yesterday to ward off aches and pains.
The players had today off and would then get back to the training paddock tomorrow.
"We will see how the players shape up in the next couple of days.
"The Doc [Dr Sandy Webb] has put in a good programme in place for sleeping patterns and the guys are adhering to it."
"The match against the Sharks was obviously a critical match after the return home.
"Despite not picking up a win the Sharks will be hard.
"The Sharks will be hurting, We need a win as well.
"It is going to be a massive battle."
