Highlanders v Cats preview

Invercargill, 7.35 pm  tonight

It's a game the Highlanders must win if their finely poised season is to avoid plunging into freefall. If the loss to the Sharks at Carisbrook last week represented a huge disappointment, any such result against the Cats would be considered close to a tragedy.

The tricky trip to Hamilton approaches, not to mention an Easter Sunday date with the Hurricanes and a home clash with the Waratahs. The Highlanders will probably need to win all three to make the semifinals.

The Cats have been utterly clawless this season. They are virtual cannon fodder for any remotely adequate side. Expect the Cats to keep it tight and hope Southland turns on that great leveller, the rain.

Expect the Highlanders to be much more urgent and aggressive in the loose, and willing to give the ball air through the backs.

Highlanders assistant coach Phil Young said the energy levels which were lacking in the Sharks loss had gone up this week. "We've well and truly got the South African trip out of the system and this week has been very productive," Young said yesterday. "They're big boys, which means we have to be smarter. You know it's going to be a desperate game, a very confrontational and direct clash, so our defence has to be strong."

The Cats look much the poorer side for the absence of classy Springbok halfback Ricky Januarie and will rely heavily on midfielder Jaque Fourie and erratic fullback Conrad Jantjes to make something happen. The wild card is first five-eighths Earl Rose, young and playing out of position but loaded with talent.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES