Rugby: Highland coach says they must win to back up Dundee triumph
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Head coach Dave Carson says Highland have to back up their perfect start with a repeat performance at Canal Park tomorrow if they want to challenge for the National One title.
Highland were the only away team to win on the opening weekend last time out, but next opponents Watsonians were celebrating themselves after a surprise 69-17 win over Gala.
It was not so much the victory for Watsonians that shocked Carson as the manner and margin of it, but he is determined to continue Highland’s momentum in front of a home crowd for the first time since April.
“We beat them home and away last year, but that obviously counts for nothing now – it’s a clean sheet with a new season,” Carson said.
“Dundee was glorious last week, and hopefully Inverness will be this week with a full Canal Park.
“You can’t beat it really with a full-house of hospitality and everything that goes with it.
“It will be tough obviously. We had to work really hard at Dundee, and I would imagine Watsonians had to work really hard for their win against a quality side in Gala.
“It will be some game already, and we’re only in the second week of the season.”
Carson is hoping to welcome Scott Fraser and Gordon Gregor back from injury, but his main focus will be on ensuring that last week’s win at Dundee does not go to waste.
“The highs and lows of last week was unbelievable – we had such a great start, then we were wondering what had just happened,” he added.
“In the second half we kept them to zero points, so it was a good start and a good day out. The highs and lows of 80 minutes of rugby are unbelievable.
“We’ve done well there, but we’ve got to back it up with a home game. That’s the most important thing, as the guys will be told this week.
“You can win away all you want, but you’ve got to back it up with a home victory.”
