The side had its first win over the Crusaders for two years on Saturday night with a 25-17 victory over the defending champions at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
It was the side's third straight win to start the season, although it was tempered somewhat by a thumb injury to loose forward Liam Squire.
He fractured a bone in his right hand late in the first half and will be sidelined for up to six weeks.
Elliot Dixon came on and played a top game, scoring a try, winning lineouts and making some big metres out on the flank.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said he was really pleased with the win and the ability of his side to soak up pressure from the Crusaders and then hit back.
"It was a really intense battle. The Crusaders really came to play and offered some very good parts of their game. But I thought we showed some real composure through certain parts of the game which allowed us to control it," Mauger said.
"We won those key moments and that was the difference in the end."
Mauger said the side showed plenty of guts and courage, especially in defence.
"Even when they breached us, the commitment to get back ... momentum was outstanding."
He said the energy from the side was a real key to the success.
"When the boys came in at halftime it was like they had barely played a game. When we went down at halftime we thought the boys would be pretty sapped. But we got in there and the energy was really good, the body language was good, chests were out and they were ready to get back into the second half.
"We know if we are going to get away in a tight battle then we are going to have to be good - not only physically fit but mentally sharp under fatigue.
"I thought that showed through today - helped us be composed in key moments."
The side has played its first three games at home and will venture to the North Island over the next two weeks, playing the Hurricanes in Wellington this Saturday and then the Chiefs in Hamilton on Good Friday.
"It is nice to play away from home and we were aware it is nice to bank some points early being at home. But at the end of the day, a game is a game. Four white lines on the outside and 15 guys in the opposition."
He said the Hurricanes would ask many questions.
"They're a dangerous side and they have got threats right across the park. I thought our collision was a lot better and our body height was good going into rucks."
In other games over the weekend, the Brumbies beat the Sharks 24-17, the Stormers overcame the Blues 37-20, the Lions pipped the Sunwolves 40-38, the Reds downed the Jaguares 18-7 and the Waratahs overpowered the Rebels 51-27.