The first southern derby of Super Rugby Aotearoa is set to raise the temperature in Dunedin this weekend.
The undefeated Crusaders will head into the match as favourites but a good hard look in the mirror has prompted a major turnaround for the Highlanders.
Before COVID-19 stalled the Super Rugby competition, the Highlanders had won just one game from seven matches, so lockdown became the perfect opportunity for some self-reflection.
"We had a good look at ourselves over COVID-19," halfback Aaron Smith tells Newshub. "Had a good look in the mirror with what we we're doing and where we were at as a team."
"We asked them to be a bit more self reliant through the lockdown period," adds coach Aaron Mauger. "I think when they turned up there was just a different feel."
That's seen them defeat the Chiefs and push the Blues all the way at Eden Park. They'll now need to go to an even higher level if they're to cause an upset against their South Island rivals.
"We need to look back at things that made us what we were when we were really successful in my early career here," Smith says. "And that's something we've looked to bring into this Aotearoa comp."
Coach Scott Robertson also acknowledges that the side his champion Crusaders face on Saturday are a different look to the one they defeated in February.
"Early in the season they probably didn't have a few things go their way and they have now.," Robertson says.
"They've got a hard working coaching group and a hard working group of men."
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