Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph admits he did not say much at halftime last night.
Joseph simply told his players that they needed to get out and play some football in the second half and not give the ball back to the Chiefs' dangerous back three.
"We did not do anything in the first half. We didn't play any rugby.
"So we didn't have to say a lot. I felt we went in to a siege mentality, kicking the ball away like it was our first game of rugby together.
"So at halftime, we said just play your game, back yourself and play well."
He said two wins from as many games was what the side wanted to do and there was plenty of belief in the squad.
Joseph said the crowd came in to the game as it went on and lifted the team.
"In the second half, it was like the terraces had doubled but all that really had happened was we had started to play rugby and the crowd got in behind that."
He admitted his side failed to meet the physical challenge in the first half as the Chiefs attacked at ruck time but the Highlanders really hit the rucks hard in the second half.
Joseph had praise for blindside flanker Adam Thomson, who again stood out.
"He has been [an] inspirational player for us and has made big plays in recent times that have changed games. We are rapt with him."
The Highlanders now head to South Africa for two hard games.
The team would not get too carried away, despite being near the upper reaches of the table.
"One thing I know about rugby is you never get ahead of yourself. We are teaching our guys to be humble and respect the opposition," Joseph said.
Highlanders flanker Alando Soakai said he could feel the game shift in the second period and the crowd undoubtedly helped the team.
"I felt the momentum swinging, especially in that middle period of the second half, when they got that yellow card and that came down to our pressure," Soakai said.
"I'm stoked with the crowd. With what we did in the first week, and they showed up and really helped us tonight."
The Highlanders are taking 26 players to South Africa. They leave tomorrow.
First five-eighth Lima Sopoaga looks doubtful, as he went off at halftime with a sore right shoulder.
Skipper Jamie Mackintosh injured his knee but played the match out.
Joseph would assess the injuries today before deciding on the 26 players to travel.
