The Highlanders will head off to South Africa today with some confidence but a couple of areas to improve in their game.
The side picked up a valuable bonus point in the 34-16 win over the Blues last night and has now moved up the table, though other teams have games left to play this round.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said the win last night was not easy as the Blues played well, especially in the first half.
"I thought we started the game really well but then the Blues came back into it and got their big power game going. But about the 30-minute mark we started moving them round a bit and got more control," he said.
"From the 30 to 60-minute mark we controlled the whole game but in that last part we just did not put the nail in the coffin. But still to come away from Eden Park with five points, you’ve got to be happy with that."
He said the side needed to bring more consistency into its game and play well for the entire 80 minutes.
"We need to execute our basic skills better and not let them have dominance with the ball in hand, We have got some games coming up against some big, strong, physical teams, so we have to be better there."
Prop Siate Tokolahi, who had played well this season and appears to have upped his mobility, was tackled around the ankles after 25 minutes and injured his leg.
He was escorted off the field and is in doubt for the trip to South Africa.
The Highlanders are likely to whistle up Kalolo Tuimola for the trip across to play the Bulls and Sharks if Tokolahi is no good.
The prop was walking after the game with a knee brace and a decision on his immediate future will be made today.
The Highlanders will take 27 players to South Africa and are likely to add an inside back, hooker, outside back and loose forward to the 23 players - minus Tokolahi, and including Tuimola - who were in the squad last night.