Rugby: Highlanders have plenty to lose against Force

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore has been impressed by Jimmy Cowan's leadership this season. Photo / Getty Images

There may be nothing riding on it, but Highlanders coach Glenn Moore says Saturday night holds major significance for their three-year Super 14 rugby semifinal plan.

The 10th-placed Highlanders look to end their season on a high against coach John Mitchell's eighth-placed Western Force in Perth, with both sides already looking to next season.

After a memorable 36-12 hammering of title contenders the Bulls then a narrow victory over the Reds, the young Highlanders lost four in a row to tumble out of playoff contention.

Their latest defeat summed up their shortcomings as they blew a 19-5 halftime lead over the Lions to lose 22-27 in Johannesburg on Sunday morning as weariness at high altitude appeared to kick in.

Moore said the absence of key backs Daniel Bowden (suspended) and Matt Berquist (back) played its part at the weekend.

He said the side had already spoken about finishing well.

"We've still got plenty to lose, in my book," Moore said.

"We've had more wins than last year, and earned more bonus points than last year, and to finish this season with a win is vitally important for the future."

Last year Moore set a three-year target for the side to make the Super 14 playoffs.

This year the team have won four of their 12 matches, but earned a bonus point in five of their losses which showed how close they went to semifinal contention.

Moore said the major handicap for his side was clear, and one they would be better prepared to overcome next season.

"The biggest thing for us is getting more experience under our belts, and making critical judgment calls under pressure.

"We started to rebuild last year and a lot of our guys have shown they've got talent. I think we're a better side this year and we'll be even better next year."

Moore said halfback Jimmy Cowan, one of only a handful of All Blacks in the side along with Adam Thomson and Jamie Mackintosh, had pleased him with his captaincy this season.

Against the Force it wouldn't just be a case of hurling the ball around in an end-of-year hurrah.

The team were nursing bumps and bruises from South Africa and were noticeably weary after the flight to Perth.

"The Force will be bitterly disappointed not to be in the playoffs, as we are," Moore said.

"They've got a good attack and Matt Giteau gives them some direction. We'd like to attack but we still have to be clinical about it."

The Force returned from Africa with their own tales of woe, with a three-point defeat to the Bulls and a one-point loss to the Stormers last weekend finally ending their playoff charge.

Saturday's game at Subiaco Oval is one of just two with no significance from a semifinal perspective, the other being the all-South African match between the Cheetahs and Stormers.

- NZPA