The side lost 38-13 to the Bulls in Pretoria yesterday and remains 13th on the table, having scored one win in five games.
It was a second half to forget for the men from the south as the Bulls ran in five tries and scored 33 points after the Highlanders were ahead 10-5 at the break.
The Highlanders missed tackles and could not get enough ball in the second half as the side leaked points.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said the side just failed to finish off.
"It is just a reflection of where we are at, at the moment. We are doing some good things and putting ourselves in good positions but just not finishing the job," he said.
"But we will battle on. The boys have been learning and keeping working hard. But we are certainly not finding our groove yet.
"A bit of that are growing pains. It is not through a lack of effort or intent. The boys are very thorough in their reviews and the learning from each game."
Mauger said it was about being composed at the key moments on the park. You could train for it and work hard on the training paddock but nothing matched playing the game.
"That is the game. Getting it right at the right time. It is about being there and executing at the right time. We did at times but not enough ... we are just too inconsistent at the moment."
The Bulls increased their intensity in the second half and the home side took more chances when they came along.
Mauger was happy with the side’s kicking game, as it turned the Bulls forwards round and got them tired.
Winger Jona Nareki took bangs to his hip and back in the first half and had to leave the field, struggling to walk. Prop Ayden Johnstone picked up a head knock at the end of the first half and went off. Both players would be assessed today on whether they would travel to Argentina for the game against the Jaguares this Sunday.
In other games, the Chiefs beat the Waratahs 51-14, the Blues beat the Hurricanes 24-15, the Rebels beat the Lions 37-17 and the Sharks beat the Jaguares 33-19.
The Crusaders also said yesterday, form back David Havili had an abdominal operation on Friday and did not confirm a return date.