Sooner players back on park the better: Hammett
HIGHLANDERS assistant coach Mark Hammett was not about to use travel or a short turnaround as an excuse this week.
But the reality is the Highlanders will need to manage their players carefully before their home fixture against the Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
The team was down on energy during its 3812 loss to the Sharks in Durban. The return trip from the republic and the short turnaround this week present a challenge, so expect some fresh legs when the squad is announced today.
Hammett, though, was keen to play down the impact the past week has had on the camp.
‘‘All weeks are a challenge,’’ Hammett said.
‘‘We didn’t have the best result last weekend and that obviously adds motivation for a week which could be more difficult.
‘‘But after a loss the sooner you get back on the park the better.
‘‘I suppose the big thing we try to drag out of the players if you are 80% right, then give 100% of that 80%.
‘‘That is standard for any rugby team.’’
Hammett said the team had addressed its loss to the Sharks and was keen to make the necessary small improvements which could make a big difference during 80 minutes.
The Highlanders have had to live off scraps this season and the Lions will look to to deny the home team possession through the set pieces.
‘‘We’ve had some very good results out of just having to really grind it out. We haven’t had a lot of ball to play with and we have to be very careful that we don’t have an expectation that we are going to be able to manage on small amounts of ball.
‘‘So that has been a big focus . . and I’m sure we’ll have plenty of energy come Saturday.’’