Cheetahs target Highlanders' breakdown Sportal.co.nz - (26/04/2012) - 0 Comments
Up against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday, the Highlanders can expect plenty of attention at the breakdown.
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Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske told keo.co.za that the ability of the Highlanders to clean out and counter-ruck aggressively was a major part of their game plan since coach Jamie Joseph had taken over the side in 2011.
Of the 147 turnovers the Highlanders had made, 62 of them came at the breakdown.
"We're a team that enjoys spreading the ball wide, so winning quality ball at the breakdowns will be crucial against the Highlanders," Drotske said.
"Counter-rucking is their biggest strength and one they have executed well this season.
"In order to cope with that physical pressure, we need to commit players to the breakdowns.
"That's a common mistake most teams have made against the Highlanders, and they have suffered because of it. We'll have back-up cleaners in position if needed," he said.
The Cheetahs staff had determined that the Brumbies and Stormers, who are the only teams to have beaten the Highlanders this year, had a stronger physical presence at rucks while the Stormers had also put their big forwards to use to suffocate the New Zealanders.
Drotske was also determined the Cheetahs would shore up their defence after they managed only a 65 percent success rate at the tackle in their most recent game against the Chiefs, when the competition leaders score three tries in the final quarter to claim a 39-33 win.
"We need to improve on our defence," he said.
"Like any New Zealand side, they have good game-breakers and are very physical with ball in hand. We can't afford to make any errors."
The home team will be bolstered by the return of teenage five-eighths Johan Goosen after his recovery from a shoulder injury.
