Rugby: Highlanders must improve for Rebels, says hooker

Mahonri Schwalger. Photo / Getty Images

Veteran hooker Mahonri Schwalger is under no illusions that the Highlanders will have to lift their performance if they are to beat the Rebels in their Super 15 rugby match in Melbourne tomorrow night.

The Highlanders gave arguably their least impressive performance of the season in a scratchy win over the Cheetahs in Dunedin last weekend.

The Rebels are coming off a bye after consecutive wins over the Hurricanes and the Western Force in Perth.

"We felt we didn't play that well," Schwalger said. "We didn't stick to the game plan that the coaches had given us. We're still winning games and that's the main thing, but we need to play a lot better than we did last week. There's still a lot of improvement to be made and we've got another week to put it right.

"We need to play to our strengths and to take any opportunities on attack. We didn't do that against the Cheetahs."

Schwalger has watched the emergence of the new Rebels' franchise with interest.

"They're a force to be reckoned with. They've got some good experienced players and some internationals and they've got a strong following in Melbourne. It's not going to be easy, but I know we'll give it all we've got."

The 32-year-old Schwalger also played for the Highlanders in 2005 and he has noticed a different environment in the team this year.

"It has changed completely," he said. "There are a few of the same faces and there is a great team spirit. We've got coaches like Jamie [Joseph] bringing in some good ideas and a game plan that suits us."

Schwalger has been rested this weekend as Joseph looks ahead to the long campaign, with Brayden Mitchell taking his place on the bench.

It is a big year for Schwalger, who has been named to captain Samoa at the World Cup after being part of his country's 2003 and 2007 campaigns.

"It's a big honour to captain Samoa, especially in World Cup year. It's a big year alright, and there is the ITM Cup [Schwalger will play for Taranaki] as well. I've got to manage my body and peak at the right time.

- NZPA