@frugby said in Highlanders vs Hurricanes:
@SouthernMann Not exactly what I am talking about.
It is a mentality - hence why we absolutely slotted Auckland even without Pledger.
It is hard to explain, and possibly isn't even measurable, but sometimes teams play in a way where they are in command. They score certain types of tries, they take bold decisions as a team.
I don't believe that even if this Highlanders team gets out in front, that they will keep kicking away, because they don't play in that manner. Otago did.
It is an attitude thing. Which comes with belief. With Otago, it is traceable as the belief grew the performances improved for the better.
Which is often led by a player or two. Especially if it breaks a trend of previous performances.
Go back to last year. This team, more or less should have picked up two wins against the Canes and beaten the Crusaders away (or at least drew with them). It isn't about attacking shape or threats. It is a mindset.
Before they can dominate and run away with games. They need to close some out. Incremental improvement. Looking from last year, we need fo avoid blowouts. Which happened twice against the Chiefs and once against the Crusaders.
The improvment process is a bit painful. Walk before we run. It is why we often see floggings at the back of the season. Teams are full of confidence, like Otago was and down on it like Auckland was. A perfect mix.
