Umaga-Jensen hopeful of turnaround against the Chiefs

· Lynn McConnell · GETTY IMAGES
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Facing the most daunting opening to the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season against the Blues, Crusaders, and Chiefs was always going to be a tough ask for the Highlanders.

They may have suffered two heavy losses, but second five-eighths Thomas Umaga-Jensen said they are great teams to be playing against, and they had taught the Highlanders a lot.

"The boys are excited. We've come off two games where there were a lot of good things so, hopefully, we can turn that around and get that 'W' against the Chiefs boys this weekend."

Umaga-Jensen said there was a lot of hurt and frustration after the two opening losses.

"The coaches have been reiterating the positives that have come from the games, and we just need to find the balance and be able to execute across the 80 minutes rather than being good for just 20 minutes.

"It's just that consistency and being on for the whole time rather than a quarter of the time."

They needed to respect the ball more, pick the suitable options and the forwards needed to nail the set piece, and the opportunities they were looking for would eventuate.

It was essential to take the lessons from their losses rather than dwell too long on them.

"The boys are gutted and it just makes them want to work a bit more, a bit harder and, hopefully, we can turn that around this week against the Chiefs."

Once they get their hands on the ball, they should be excited to score more points and seek more flow in their games.

While comfortable with his form, Umaga-Jensen said he would rather be winning.

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