The Brumbies are looking for the final 25 per cent as they prepare to face the Jaguares this Sunday.
After an impressive win over the Reds a fortnight ago, the Brumbies faded against the Highlanders, who piled on three tries in 10 minutes after the 60-minute mark.
Prop Allan Alaalatoa said making it through that final 20 as strong as the first 60 was a key focus for them.
“I think personally we played well in the first 60 minutes but the game of rugby goes for 80, so you could always say that you played well but we didn't get the win,” he said.
“You always have to look hard at yourself, which is what we've been doing the last few days and we're just looking to get better.”
Alaalatoa said little errors cost the Brumbies in New Zealand.
“We build so many good phases and then off the back of individual error or knock on or intercept pass, the game just turned a little bit and we just gave them that opportunity,” he said.
“We lost Isi naisarani to a head injury and then we were down to 14 men but you can't pinpoint any excuses.
“You just have to look at the whole game and I think it was just little things that crept up on us throughout the game, which I said before is something we're looking to build on.”
Lock and co-captain Sam Carter has been in solid form coming off the bench, after returning from a concussion that hindered his season.
Carter said he was relieved to be back in action after a concussion put him out of the side for three weeks.
“It was pretty difficult because I was always trying to rush back because you never want to let anyone down but if it's not right, it's not right and I had to make sure it was 100 per cent before I got back out there and that's what I did for the `Reds (game),” he said.
“As hard as it was, it was probably the best thing for myself and my team.”
The Brumbies take on the Jaguares on Sunday at GIO Stadium, kicking off at 4:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Buy tickets here.
