The Highlanders did exactly what was needed when they scored a bonus point win over the Jaguares, scoring a 34-8 win and withstanding a committed Argentinian outfit.
The visiting side based its win on some solid defence and making the most of the chances that came along. It led 24-8 at halftime.
The match was niggly throughout and there were plenty of stand-offs and push-and-shoves, which contributed to a rather messy second half.
Ball control from both sides got worse as the game went on and there was too much dropped ball from the two teams to make it a memorable spectacle.
The Highlanders were always a class above and won comfortably in the end.
The visiting side just pulled away in the second half and the clincher came when blindside flanker Elliot Dixon scored his second try of the night with just over quarter of an hour left.
It was richly deserved for the All Black loose forward, who had a top game, popping up all over the park, and making some real gains with the ball in hand.
But the All Blacks showed their class throughout the match.
Halfback Aaron Smith linked play well while outside him Lima Sopoaga used his boot with intelligence and did not miss a kick at goal.
The Jaguares tried hard and had plenty of energy but that cannot win a game on its own. Accuracy and discipline are also vital ingredients and the Jaguares lacked both.
Also impressive for the Highlanders were prop Josh Hohneck and winger Patrick Osborne, in his 50th game at this level.
The Highlanders scored a couple of nice tries in the first half, showing good continuity.
The visiting side was on the scoreboard within 93 seconds of the kick-off.
It received the ball from a kick back from the Jaguares and then rolled down the field, making ground with every phase.
Eventually Sopoaga spied a half gap, put Ben Smith into a hole and the fullback did the rest.
Highlanders second five-eighth Rob Thompson then robbed the Jaguares of the ball and and skipped away to run 40m and score.
The Highlanders' final try of the first half was one to admire.
The side turned the ball over at the halfway line and it then went through the hands with some nice touches by the forwards.
Flanker James Lentjes found himself on the outside and, just short of the line, fed the ball inside to Elliot Dixon who went over to score.
Sopoaga added a penalty right at the end of the first half to have his side well in control as the team went in for the break.
Highlanders v Jaguares
The scores
Highlanders 34
Elliot Dixon 2. Rob Thompson, Ben Smith tries; Lima Sopoaga 4 con, 2 pen
Jaguares 8
Jean Martin Hernandez try; Nicholas Sanchez pen
Halftime: 24-8
