Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph praised his team's bounceback last night but said the side must learn how to put teams to bed.
The side's 35-31 win over the Hurricanes gives the side a two win-two loss record, with the Blues in Auckland next on the agenda.
Joseph said his side wanted to start both halves well after the disappointing effort against the Force last week and that is what eventuated.
''We started well and created pressure and that caused penalties and we kicked our goals. Second half we did exactly the same,'' he said.
''With pressure you get the bounce of the ball. Last week we were conceding intercepts and giving the ball away but this week we turned it around and it was good to have that for us.''
''As a team they worked themselves out of a tough spot. Last week was really disappointing and frustrating. We put ourselves under pressure against a quality Hurricanes team but to get out of that we have to be pleased.''
With the Highlanders leading by 23 points midway through the second half, the game was as good as over though the visiting side came back to finish just four points behind.
Joseph said the side needed to learn how to protect a lead and close a game down.
''Being a young team who many have written off at the start of the season, it sort of feels uncomfortable when they are up by 35-odd points against quality teams such as the Hurricanes. That is the next step for the group, to put teams away when we are that far ahead.''
He praised the performance of first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga, who scored 25 points and missed just one of his 10 shots at goal.
''He is renowned for his running game but he has matured well into a really good first five-eighth.
''He has a number of features to his skills set. He has not been known for his goal kicking but he has been prolific in that this year. When you mature like that you mentally grow.''
