Improvements in their injury list, and their lineout performance against the Fijian Drua at the weekend, have boosted the Highlanders ahead of their game with Moana Pasifika on Friday in Auckland.
The injury-hit Highlanders conceded the first try of the match, then scored five of their own in the first half on the way to a 57-24 win over the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith hopes the nine-day turnaround, Sunday afternoon rugby and support from Invercargill's crowd will give the Highlanders a much-needed boost against the Force in their Super Rugby Pacific game.
The Chiefs have made it three from three in 2023 with a 28-7 bonus point win over the Highlanders in Hamilton to open round three of Super Rugby Pacific.
Super Rugby Pacific will celebrate the next generation of fans and players during Kids Round with special deals and free tickets making it easier than ever for families to attend matches during Round #4 of the 2023 season.
Avoiding conceding hard-won possession will be the goal of the Highlanders as they prepare for their Super Rugby Pacific challenge with the high-flying Chiefs at the weekend.
As the only two South Island-based teams in Super Rugby Pacific, the Crusaders and Highlanders have a unique and special rivalry, making their matches some of the most anticipated and intense in the competition.
Former NRL superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck scored his first Super Rugby Pacific try as the Blues cruised through to the semifinals with a 35-6 win against the Highlanders at Eden Park.
Retiring Highlanders coach Tony Brown has known the best of times and some less memorable times but Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal against the Blues represents a final chance to score a march in Auckland.