Otago rugby stalwart David Latta believes his province's weakness is a major factor in the Highlanders' poor showing in the Super 14.
The Highlanders are sitting in 10th place on the competition ladder with just two wins this season.
There are more Southland based players in the Highlanders squad and Latta said Otago need to take a leaf out of Southland's book.
"It's about Otago doing the same thing, building that player base up and really promoting our players from the home region to be in that squad so we don't have to rely so much on the draft," the former Otago skipper said.
Latta said they have some outstanding stars as individuals, but they are not working with each other and playing as a team.
The Highlanders have the bye this weekend.
- NEWSTALK ZB
Rugby: Otago blamed for Highlanders' poor form
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