NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson is prepared for Highlanders’ pressure game plan

IF the Waratahs are to become the first Aussie side to beat a Kiwi team this year, they’ll have cope with enormous pressure from Highlanders kickers.

THERE is no secret to how the Highlanders plan to defeat NSW, but Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson says better decision-making by his playmakers can deliver a drought-breaking victory in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Highlanders will kick the ball willingly to the Tahs, swarm them in defence and feed off any errors they make, a trick that has worked in the round four clash last year, and the 2015 semi-final.

“It’s a strategy that’s worked well for the Highlanders, they came out quite early on and said ‘We’re a better team without the ball,” Gibson said.

Israel Folau celebrates scoring against the Rebels.

“And to be fair that’s the blueprint that has gotten us in the past, their kick strategy and how well that’s implemented into their game plan and executed.

“So a lot of our preparation has gone into how we can respond to that kick variety and the type of possession we’re going to receive.

“In the past we’ve been guilty of trying to run when it was on to kick, and kick when it was on to run.

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“Nothing changes there in terms of trying to make really excellent decisions.”

No Australian team has beaten a Kiwi rival in the past 23 trans-Tasman clashes, but for NSW to make the finals this year they must defeat either the Highlanders or Chiefs next week, given the Australian conference-leading Brumbies are likely to win at least two of the four remaining games.

“It’s very simple for us, we know we need to win these games to have any chance of playing a final,” Gibson said.

Ben Smith (ball) and Aaron Smith will start for the Highlanders.

“The Highlanders at home, they’ve got an excellent record there, we know that.

“They are where they are, they’ve won eight straight.

“The challenge for us is to keep taking that step forward in terms of form and ride that wave. That’s what I’m really seeking is another step from this team to really realise its potential.”

The Kiwi side has brought back key All Blacks Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Waisake Naholo into their starting side while five-eighth Lima Sopoaga makes his return from injury off the bench.

The Tahs are unchanged from the side that defeated Melbourne 50-23 last Sunday.

HIGHLANDERS v WARATAHS

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Saturday, 5.35pm

Highlanders (1-15): Aki Seiuli, Liam Coltman, Siate Tokolahi, Alex Ainley, Tom Franklin, Elliot Dixon, Dillon Hunt, Luke Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Marty Banks, Tevita Li, Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith.

Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Lima Sopoaga, Rob Thompson.

Waratahs (1-15): Tom Robertson, Tolu Latu, Sekope Kepu, Dean Mumm, Will Skelton, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper, Michael Wells, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Cam Clark, David Horwitz, Rob Horne, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Israel Folau.

Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Angus Ta’avao, David McDuling, Jed Holloway, Jake Gordon, Bryce Hegarty, Irae Simone.

Originally published as NSW Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson is prepared for Highlanders’ pressure game plan