The Highlanders bagged their sixth win of the season, just halfway through the competition, beating a fast finishing Blues side 30 24 on Saturday night.
The victory leaves them ensconced in the playoff hunt, sitting fifth on the table.
The Highlanders actually have the third highest points tally on the overall table, but because of the way the competition is set up, with conference leaders filling the first three places, they are technically fifth.
Although coach Jamie Joseph does not look at the table this early in the season, six wins from eight matches is a fine effort.
''We have put ourselves into contention. The six wins we have had is from a tough start to the season,'' he said.
''The team has had to play away and had the byes. It is tough but I'm proud of the guys and they have earned the right to be in the competition. We are there or thereabouts.
''If we can get over to Canberra and put them under pressure like the Blues did last week, we can be a chance.
''But physically, we are up against it. We are going to be coming off two hard, physical games and we only have a six day turnaround. So we won't be doing a lot of training this week.''
Joseph indicated the side's All Blacks - fullback and co captain Ben Smith, halfback Aaron Smith and centre Malakai Fekitoa - were due to have a rest, although nothing had yet been set in stone.
''It changes all the time because we want to keep winning. We are moving the goalposts constantly. But we may have to look at that immediately. We will have to rest them in the next two or three weeks.
''Those guys do need a rest, not just because of the World Cup. They have played every game. Seven players have played every game while everyone else has been rotated.''
All Black management and Super rugby coaches had agreed All Blacks would get two weeks off during the Super rugby season.
As for Saturday's game, Joseph felt the Highlanders were never going to lose, though they lost their way in the second half.
''I was really pleased with the first 40. I thought we executed our plan really well. Players were very clinical and we started bloody well.
''In the second half, it all went out the window. Why that is, I can only say, mentally, when you are up by 24 points, it is really hard to start that game again.
''For me, we have to flush that 40 and take the win. I did not think we were going to lose the game.''
He said it was great to retain the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy, as Hunter was an inspiration to him.
Hunter's widow Jenny died on Friday, and that provided extra motivation for the team, Joseph said.
''Gordon was instrumental in my playing career and we loved him as players. We shared those experiences with the players this week and that trophy means a lot to them.''
Blues coach John Kirwan said his side was passive in the first half and paid for it.
He admitted getting emotional at halftime and was proud of his side's fightback. To come away with two points against the Highlanders was satisfying.
In other games, the Waratahs beat the Hurricanes 29-24, the Rebels handed the Brumbies their second straight loss, winning 13-8, the Stormers beat the Force 13-6, the Bulls beat the Sharks 17-10, and the Reds pipped the Cheetahs 18-17.
