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Moore frustrated

Frustrated Highlanders’ coach Glenn Moore has vowed his players will bounce back in time for their three-match tour of South Africa whih starts next week.

Saturday, 20 February 2010

Sportal.co.nz

Frustrated Highlanders’ coach Glenn Moore has vowed his players will bounce back in time for their three-match tour of South Africa whih starts next week.

Moore was speaking in the wake of the Highlanders’ gut-wrenching 15-19 loss to the Blues at Carisbrook on Friday night which left it winless after two rounds of the Super 14.

"We have got to go to South Africa with a really positive mindset," he said.
"I think you can see there is definitely some talent in this team. That's how we all feel.

''It's just going to be about regrouping, doing the right things during the week and turning up in Bloemfontein next weekend with a positive attitude."

Moore conceded the loss to the Blues was frustrating to watch.

"Paul Williams' charge-down kick, which ended in a try to the Blues, was quite uncanny and it was a turning point in the game.

"The ability's there but it's cementing those opportunities and kicking the goals. At critical moments we’ve just got to be doing the right thing.

"It's tough but we've got to push through it. I feel for the boys. The Blues were definitely stretched once we got past four phases, and every time we did that, we looked quite likely.

"There were a couple of critical rucks when we were counter-rucked of the ball, and a couple of kick-offs which we didn’t control. All those little things add up.

"I thought our set piece was good. We scrummed well against an all All Black front row and our lineout, by and large, operated fairly well."

Moore praised the resilience of the Highlanders when lock Josh Bekhuis was sin-binned midway through the second spell.

"They defended their guts out and it was energy-sapping. It was a really courageous effort."

The Highlanders did not suffer any significant injuries in Friday night's game.

Meanwhile, Blues captain Keven Mealamu was hugely relieved after his team won the
Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

"There's a big feeling of relief," he said.

"It's never easy when you go 0-2 in a competition like this.

"I know it wasn't pretty but it was a very important four points for us. It was good to finish well after dropping off in the second spell against the Hurricanes last week. To be able to regroup and play much better in the second spell reflected the boys' character.

"It's always tough down here. It's a fierce battle when we’re playing for that trophy. It means a lot to both teams and it's really pleasing to be able to lock it away for another year."

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