But the robust second five would be a lot happier if his performances were contributing to his team notching up its first win.
The Highlanders remain winless after a heavy 52-15 loss to the Crusaders last Friday, and falling 60-20 to the Blues the week before.
"I’m happy, but I’d be much happier if we were winning games," Umaga-Jensen said of his form yesterday.
"It’s quite tough.
"You can have a great game, but in the grand scheme of things, if we’re getting pumped by 50 points, it doesn’t kind of matter.
"I’d rather maybe like a sub-par game, but still be able to win."
Umaga-Jensen stood out in the midfield against the Crusaders. He was physical at the breakdown, made some robust carries and had the awareness to see the space on attack to set up two late tries.
Otherwise, players were "gutted" at their performance, and the scoreline, against their southern rivals.
"Looking at it at face value, it’s not the greatest, but the boys are still eager and wanting to hopefully get the first win of the season this week."
That would involve focusing on the few positives from the game.
The Highlanders were in the fight for the first 20 minutes, and had a good kicking strategy that Umaga-Jensen felt "frustrated" the Crusaders.
"It was really rewarding for us. We got a lot of penalties out of it.
"But on the flip side of that, we weren’t able to execute our skills once we got into the half."
There were also glimpses in the final 10 minutes, when the Highlanders pulled together phases on attack and capitalised on it.
Players needed to be accountable, own their roles and play without looking too far ahead, he said.
It does not get much easier this week, coming up against the in-form Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night.
They sit at the top of the table after beating the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika in the opening rounds.
The Chiefs loved to move the ball and had explosive players on attack, and the Highlanders would need to shut that down while focusing on their own game, Umaga-Jensen said.
"Give them the respect, but also focus on how we want to get into the game."
While his side might be hurting, Umaga-Jensen was also relishing the opportunity to just be on the field.
It was a nice change from the injury-plagued seasons he had had.
"It’s bloody fun, eh.
"Just being able to be available, having the chance to be picked every week.
"I love playing rugby, let alone playing rugby for the Highlanders.
"Although it’s looking quite tough at the moment, I’m sure there’s going to be great things to come in the future."
