Highlanders want three in a row in South Africa

A third consecutive win in South Africa would be huge for the Highlanders on Sunday morning (NZ time), but the team are well aware they face an intensely physical Bulls rugby team at altitude in Pretoria.

The southerners beat the Cheetahs and Stormers in their last two Super 14 games, but coach Greg Cooper said playing the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld would surely be their biggest challenge yet.

"This is obviously the toughest of them all and if we can get a victory it would be a great foundation for us leading into the competition," he told NZPA today.

The Bulls have been boosted with the return of Springbok lock Victor Matfield and hooker Gary Botha, who have been injured, and are at full strength.

"He's (Matfield) extremely inspirational to them as leader and a player so he will boost their side, and so will Gary Botha," Cooper said.

He said his team had trained hard in Port Elizabeth during the week and was confident his lock combination were up to the task of combating Matfield.

"They have been playing exceptionally well. They're a young combination developing, our lineout has been good and it's got a lot to do with Anton Oliver, who has really been hitting the mark. That combination will be crucial again," Cooper said.

He said a win would only come if the entire team were on top of their game, but that recent form was encouraging.

"We're really starting to find combinations now. There's a good feel that the team are playing an all round game, the forwards are doing their jobs and the backs are finishing well," he said.

"We will have to be strong up front and try and nullify their strengths, but also when we get an opportunity, use the ball and use it well.

"The only way to beat the Bulls is to either match them up front or get an edge and then use the ball."

Following the Bulls game the Highlanders head back to New Zealand on Tuesday to prepare for their home game against the Sharks next Saturday.

- NZPA