Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said last night’s game was a good base for his side to start from and players were showing the benefit of being in the professional environment.
Mauger said there the side had played well.
"We were probably a little bit slow in that first 30 but once we got that speed and momentum going in that second 30 and took a bit of control, we managed to get through most of our structures," Mauger said.
"We probably could tidy up a bit of stuff in terms of detail but it is not a bad place to be for the first pre-season game."
The Highlanders had to play into the wind in the first hour but performed well in the second 45 minutes.
"I thought we came home well in that last 30. We had a few more people on the bench than the Waratahs and that was a bit of a help.
"The Waratahs boys might have faded a bit at the end of it but you can only play what is in front of you.
"We moved the ball well and I was impressed with the guys on the edge - they did a good job. They got their hands on the ball in space and got us going forward. That allowed our forwards to come on to the ball from the sideline and that was good."
Mauger said the side which took the field in the second 30-minute period moved the ball a bit further out. That came from players being involved with the Highlanders for a period of time.
"You just see the benefit those guys have had from being in the environment. They are building their body, another year of conditioning behind them and starting to understand the game."
The side needed to pick up a few areas around its defence and clearing the ball but there were many positives to take from the game.
Mauger said no players picked up a significant injury.