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Moore looks to big contest up front

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore is looking for a heavyweight clash in the forwards when meeting the Stormers at Newlands on Sunday morning (NZT).

Thursday, 04 March 2010

Sportal.co.nz

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore is looking for a heavyweight clash in the forwards when meeting the Stormers at Newlands on Sunday morning (NZT).

After taking their first win of the Super 14 season against the Cheetahs last weekend, the Highlanders face a step up against the Stormers who were only beaten in the dying seconds by the Brumbies to suffer their first loss of the season.

With Schalk Burger back in the Stormers, the home team is expected to be keen to get back on the winning road.

Moore told South African website, keo.co.za: "The set pieces will be vital against the Stormers.

"They showed great physicality against the Brumbies last weekend and they took us to task last year. So the forwards will need to gain quality ball up front for our backline."

Moore said he was satisfied with the Highlanders' scrum which was improving with each game.

"We had the All Blacks scrum coach helping the guys, so we are developing nicely," he said.

Combating the Stormers' defences will be a significant task for the Highlanders. However, Moore was buoyed by the fact that statistics show the side is spending a greater amount of time in its opponents' 22m areas this year.

With first five-eighths Michael Hobbs giving the side a cutting edge it is keen to advance.

"Michael Hobbs has been one of our form players but we will need the whole backline to fire this weekend," he said.

"I'm very happy with the team's progress so far. It was disappointing arriving to South Africa after losing our first two matches, but we are delighted with the win against the Cheetahs," he said.

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