The game at Forsyth Barr Stadium was played over 70 minutes in three periods and was, as expected, a physical battle with plenty of stings on defence.
Coach Jamie Joseph said before the match he wanted to have a hit-out to have a look at players and positions, and also give his All Blacks a run.
A few players put their hands up while the side's three All Blacks - Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Malakai Fekitoa - all stood out.
Hearts were in their mouths after two minutes when star centre Fekitoa went down with what looked like a sore knee.
He left the field shortly afterwards but only for a short time and was then taken off at halftime having proved his fitness.
The backline of the blue side featured all the first-line players from last year and looked dangerous and found plenty of gaps.
Winger Patrick Osborne showed plenty of energy and scored a couple of nice tries.
Fekitoa ran hard, while inside him Shaun Treeby and Marty Banks were assured.
Aaron Smith, who played the second two periods, slotted in with ease as did Ben Smith.
Up front, there was some intriguing battles but no-one put their head too far in front.
Elliot Dixon got round the paddock at No 8 but opposite him Gareth Evans never took a backward step and made nice runs. John Hardie enjoyed roaming free and made one nice run.
The front row battle was about even, with Ross Geldenhuys looking lively and hooker Ash Dixon running the ball up hard. Tom Franklin popped up all over the paddock while Alex Ainley showed he will not back down to anyone.
Dixon failed to find his jumpers much at lineout time and his team threw the ball in the majority of the time.
Neither scrum was dominant and there was the inevitable scrum resets.
No 8 Nasi Manu and first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga did not play but should be right for next week.
Flanker Shane Christie is rated a 50-50 chance to play next week after straining his hamstring last week in the close loss to the Rebels.
Winger Richard Buckman will miss the first three rounds at least as he attempts to shrug off a knee injury.
For the record, the blue team won the game 38-12.
The Highlanders - after the bye this weekend - will play the Crusaders at the stadium next Saturday night.
