Another year older and a lot wiser, the Highlanders are planning to put the painful lessons learned in their qualifier defeat 12 months ago to good use against the Chiefs this Saturday.
Ben Smith who was outstanding in their 31‑27 defeat to the Sharks last year, believes the experience will do them good.
The Highlanders have beaten the Chiefs twice already this season.
Smith is part of a backline which is a perfect match for the Chiefs with Malakai Fekitoa due to return and with Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo in the mix.
Coach Jamie Joseph will be hoping Naholo, who has forced his way into the All Blacks frame, is available after his elbow injury suffered last week.
Joseph says when Naholo gets the ball it gives him confidence he is such a good player.
The Highlanders will host the Chiefs at 7.35pm Saturday while the Stormers will host the Brumbies at 3.05am Sunday.
Source: nzherald.com
