Only just - 18-17 - in a game which could have easily gone to the Waratahs.
Clinical it was not from the home team, but the scoreboard is the sole decider in sport and it was in the affirmative for the Highlanders on Saturday night.
The Highlanders probably deserved to come out on top after winning the lion's share of territory and possession in a contest which left both teams spent at the fulltime whistle, with wounded, exhausted bodies all over the paddock.
Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison was just glad to get the victory.
"It was always going to be tough getting up again this week. And it will again next week. We couldn't really get going today a lot of the time. There were injuries, penalties. But we got there," Ellison said.
"We had to grind it out in parts there. And they were big guys who were hard to get past. But we kept it interesting for everybody and made sure they'll come along next time."
The Highlanders were not quite on their game, against a Waratahs team which attacked at the breakdown and had a vigorous defence.
That defence made twice as many tackles as the Highlanders but did not miss many, although the Highlanders at times were guilty of running across field.
Ellison said it was taking time for the backline to come together.
"It is hard. We've only had three weeks together and we've had three different first fives in that time. Plus, it is really hard to hear out there, with the roof and everything. But we're getting there."
The Highlanders backline struggled to get through a flat Waratahs defence, as the visiting side barely cracked a shot on attack.
The visiting team's only try came when Colin Slade, who had moved into the No 10 jersey when Lima Sopoaga left the field injured, had a clearing kick charged down.
Pat McCutcheon collected his charge down and ran away to score, although he badly damaged his ankle in the act of scoring the try and was stretchered off the field.
Daniel Halangahu missed the easy conversion, which came back to haunt the Waratahs.
The Highlanders had gone into the halftime break 9-8 behind after halfback Aaron Smith had scored a try from a nice Sopoaga break.
Conceding McCutcheon's soft try woke up the Highlanders and within a couple of minutes flanker John Hardie went over.
Slade knocked over the sideline conversion to put his side ahead and kicked the match-winning points from a straightforward penalty with 14 minutes to go.
The best for the home side were skipper and captain Jamie Mackintosh, in his 50th game, and flanker Hardie, while Ellison was lively in attack.
Best for the Waratahs were backs Adam Ashley-Cooper and Sarel Pretorious, while lock Dean Mumm was impressive.
Highlanders v Waratahs
The scores
Highlanders - 18
Aaron Smith, John Hardie tries; Colin Slade con, 2 pen
Waratahs - 17
Pat McCutcheon try; Daniel Halangahu 4 pen
Halftime: Waratahs 9-8
Crowd: 17,670