At a glance
Harmon anticipate nothing less than the customary physical challenge from a Blues team stacked with big loose forwards.
The Highlanders are trying to make strides in that area, too, with the effects of their pre-season combat sessions in the dojo evident against Moana Pasifika last week.
Harmon confirmed that training had been modified to stiffen up the defence.
“It’s just growing the boys’ mindset around that collision area, because when you’re doing it out in a game, it’s a bit easier, but when you have to do it at training, that’s quite tough.
“So, it’s getting the boys up for that to go at each other and have a crack.”
But, the Highlanders’ preparation this week has not been all about whacking blokes in anticipation for the Blues.
Dermody hinted that the kicking approach used against Moana Pasifika – with Jona Nareki putting boot to ball a lot – could be scaled back under a new plan devised by attack coach Kenny Lynn.
That has been reflected in selections as well, with playmaker Ajay Faleafaga’s acceleration and natural attacking game favoured over Cam Millar on the bench.
“He’s got a different game to the other two No 10s [Millar and Rhys Patchell], so we want to see what that looks like coming
What: Super Rugby Pacific, Highlanders v Blues
Where, when: AAMI Park, Melbourne; tonight, 8pm (NZT)
Coverage: Sky Sport 1, live updates on Stuff
Highlanders: Jacob RatumaitavukiKneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert (vice capt), Jona Nareki, Rhys Patchell, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (capt), Sean Withy, Max Hicks, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Ethan de Groot, Henry Bell. Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Daniel LienertBrown, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Ajay Faleafaga, Jonah Lowe
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Taufa Funaki; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i (capt), Akira Ioane, Sam Darry, Laghlan McWhannell, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes. off the bench,” Dermody said of potential debutant Faleafaga.
Meanwhile, lock Fabian Holland’s shift to the bench was prompted by a desire to manage the Highlanders’ locking stocks over the first month or so, with Mitchell Dunshea and Will Tucker coming back from injuries.