So, after a three-week break forced on everyone because of the structure of the playing calendar, the Highlanders get the chance to get out on the paddock and play in a meaningful fixture tonight.
Some fixture, too: a crunch game against the defending champion in the last home game of the season.
There are plenty of All Blacks in the mix in tonight's clash but it may well come down to those lesser lights and key moments in what is bound to be a tight encounter.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said this game had long been on the radar, and players were looking forward to getting back into action.
''Our players have been preparing for this game for some time. We have had a couple of weeks off at the start of the June break and we have taken our time.'' Joseph said.
''There is a group of players who have been preparing for this match and getting ready for it, and that is the way we have approached it.''
The focus of the game has never been far away during the time on the practice field.
''It's all very well training for training's sake. I think, for us, we have had a breather and then we start building up to the end of the season.
''Every coach would just like to continue. You get on a roll but also towards the end of the season you get a few niggles.''
The Chiefs had some speed wobbles before the June break, losing two of their last three games.
But the Highlanders were the same, a win over the Hurricanes followed by defeats to the Crusaders and the Reds.
Although that may seem an age ago, both teams will have had time to iron out deficiencies in their games which contributed to the losses.
For the Highlanders, the set piece and discipline were particularly disappointing in their last two efforts, and they must improve in both.
Joseph said some tough toil had been done by the forward pack in the past couple of weeks.
''We have done a bit of work on our set piece. From memory, we were caught by surprise with a pushover scrum and that was hurting. That was a tough call. The lineout was a number of things - skill execution, throwers and jumpers.''
Hooker Brayden Mitchell gets his chance and will need to find his jumpers while Tom Franklin, who has impressed coming off the bench, will start at lock.
Mitchell is an abrasive, destructive player and his ability to put opposing teams off stride will be vital as the Chiefs look to find some rhythm.
Joseph said the Highlanders' three All Blacks - Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa - had slipped back into the side well and he was expecting their usual top effort.
''The signs show they are keen and hungry and want to contribute towards the team's efforts. They have performed for us all year and I don't see this week being any different.''
Winger Patrick Osborne will be up for a big performance, coming off a couple of weeks of training with the All Blacks, where he was well received.
Kaikorai flanker Lee Allan will make his Highlanders debut if he gets on the field tonight. TJ Ioane injured his ankle in training on Wednesday and John Hardie is waiting for a scan on his damaged knee. Allan has been preferred ahead of Gareth Evans.
The scenarios
The top of the Super rugby table is incredibly tight with just three rounds to go, and the Highlanders are right in with a shout. Steve Hepburn looks at what would be the best outcomes for the Highlanders this weekend - and what would be the worst.
Best scenario
First and foremost, the Highlanders have to win, and win big. Four tries and more would give them five points. They need to snuff the Chiefs out of it.
Then, the Hurricanes need to beat the Crusaders. And it would be ideal if they don't score four tries but deny the Christchurch mob a bonus point.
The Waratahs need to smash the Brumbies, and keep the wild horses from Canberra pointless, and the Blues could do all other New Zealand teams a favour by beating the Force. Seems strange to say ''Come on, the Blues''. But a win in Perth for Sir John's boys looks about as likely as a John Key-Kim Dotcom election ticket.
If all that happens, the Highlanders will be third and leading the New Zealand conference by Monday morning.
Worst scenario
The Highlanders have only beaten the Chiefs twice since 2006, so it is not going to be easy tonight.
If it is normal service, and the home side is beaten, it will be a blow to its playoff hopes. It may not be mortal but it could be a huge dent in the dream.
If the Hurricanes then narrowly beat the Crusaders in a game that rains tries, both those teams will improve, and the Highlanders will not.
A Brumbies win over the Waratahs, no matter by how much, will hurt the men from the South. And if the Force beats the Blues, the drinks will taste particularly sour in the Highlanders' camp come Sunday.
The Highlanders could find themselves down in ninth place and looking at a steep mountain to climb to make the playoffs.
