First five-eighth Lima Sopoaga is no certainty to start the match in Christchurch, as the side continues to get players back from injury and selection becomes a pleasant headache to have.
The Highlanders won their ninth game in a row on Saturday night, winning 44-28 over the Waratahs, pushing them up to sixth on the table.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown said this Saturday afternoon's match-up against the Crusaders in Christchurch was obviously a big game and the side had to take a step up in defensive effort.
''I thought we played reasonable footy in the first half and made a couple of errors and gave away a couple of soft penalties, which led to their tries. I think in the second half we executed a lot better and put them under more pressure,'' Brown said.
''In the wash-up we were not quite good enough defensively and something to work on there. They had some big ball runners but we were a little bit individual with our defence and a little bit passive.''
Brown praised the set piece and the return of captain Ben Smith: ''He just ignites the team and leads by example''.
Looking ahead to the Crusaders match, Brown said the side would go up to Christchurch and give it a crack.
''For a complete performance we have to be better defensively ... the Crusaders are going to be bloody tough next week. I though we were pretty soft in the width. The Crusaders are going to punish us there, so that is something we have to work on.
''We have a lot of momentum but ... it is a one-off game, pretty much, now. Does not make much difference to us. We probably can't knock over the Crusaders for that number one spot. But what we can do is go up there and have a good crack at them.''
''It is about giving a complete performance. Defensively, we have to be really strong and be lethal on attack, everyone doing their job as well as they can.''
Winger Tevita Li damaged his AC joint and came off and may be doubtful for the match.
Sopoaga played a great last 20 minutes but was no guarantee to start.
''With Lima it is still undecided. His hamstring is still giving him a little bit of grief. It is still a little bit tight at times and we have to see how he pulls up and whether he is confident in it. If he is good to go, then we will throw him out there.''
Brown said selection was getting tough but he had full confidence in every member of the squad.
In other games over the weekend, the Crusaders continued on their winning way, beating the Rebels 41-19 in Melbourne, the Force downed the Reds 40-26 in Brisbane, the Cheetahs thrashed the Sunwolves 47-7 in Tokyo and the Hurricanes held off the Bulls 34-20 in Pretoria.
The Sharks beat the Stormers 22-10 in Durban while the Brumbies defeated the Jaguares 39-15 in Buenos Aires.
The Lions were to play the Kings in Port Elizabeth overnight.