Sitting back and taking a good look at his game appears to have done halfback Aaron Smith plenty of good.
Smith, one of the best for the Highlanders last year, started the season struggling for the form which saw him catapulted into the All Blacks.
Things were not quite clicking and it looked a classic case of trying much too hard for the man they call ''Nugget''.
Eventually, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph had enough and benched the 24-year-old for the match against the Brumbies last month.
Smith acknowledged that spell on the sideline helped him sit back and have a long study of everything around him.
''I think it all sort of came to a head and something had to give. Sitting on the sideline, I had time to have a good look at my game,'' he said.
''There was no way I was taking my position for granted and to be honest, I was not surprised I was dropped. It was the best thing for the team. And it has worked for me.
''I have been really happy with my form over the past month. I'm concentrating on the positives and trying to take the negatives out of the game. I've had a bit more focus on myself, doing what I can control and not worrying about everyone else. More about doing my role really well and simplifying things.''
Smith's form was enough to impress Steve Hansen and the Manawatu man was picked in the 38-man All Black squad. He was thrilled to be named in the training squad although the focus for the moment remained on the Highlanders.
That target is set on the Bulls in Pretoria tomorrow morning (NZ time). Smith may have been on the improve but the results have not been coming for the Highlanders. They have just one win all season, and face a daunting task against the Bulls, who are top of the South African conference and have won all five games at home this season.
Smith said the Highlanders just needed to concentrate on one play at a time rather than constantly chasing results.
''We are playing for a bit of respect, to show some pride in the jersey. I am surprised how positive it has been, considering how bad it has been.''
The Bulls are big and confrontational, and know no other way than to bully teams. They will be strong at the set piece and the Highlanders are under strict instructions not to kick the ball out often.
Smith said the emphasis was on accuracy, working on playing a high tempo, unstructured game, while still maintaining high standards.
Smith is a key for this plan, finding his outsides quickly and keeping his side on the front foot. His box kick, which has been brought out too often this season, should stay quietly away in his box of tricks.
The Highlanders have recent history on their side, having beaten the Bulls in their last two encounters.
They defeated the South Africans 16-11 in Dunedin last year and beat them 35-28 in Pretoria in 2011, which was at the start of coach Jamie Joseph's reign.
Two years ago, that win was a massive statement by the franchise. Now the boot is on the other foot. Pessimism has replaced optimism and the side needs to make a statement for a season which has already gone.
The Highlanders have to cut out the silly mistakes and make sure any chance that comes along is swiftly converted.
