After regularly chopping and changing to the team early on, there has been plenty of continuity in recent weeks.
Once again a team with few changes has been named to play the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.
Ben Smith returns at fullback after missing last week's win over the Sunwolves as part of the All Blacks' rest protocols.
That forces Matt Faddes back to the right wing, while Sio Tomkinson drops to the bench in the only other change to the starting line-up.
While it may seem a change of direction, coach Aaron Mauger said it was important to remember why there were so many inconsistencies early on."A lot of the selections early season were dictated by All Black rest weeks, derby games - we wanted to have guys ready for derby games - and also guys coming back from Japan.
"I think it's easy for people to lose perspective and context on why those decisions were made."
While the side would have liked better results through that period, it was not without its benefits.
The Highlanders had given a raft of younger players experience, while also putting the pressure on older players to perform.
Mauger said that could be important as the team headed into the competition's final stretch.
"We feel we're a lot better off having the likes of the Thomas Umaga-Jensens, the Sio Tomkinsons, the Pari Parkinsons, those guys have a lot of footy.
"So when they're required to play a game they're going to be better for it.
"They've challenged some of those more experienced players.
"Those more experienced players, such as Tom Franklin and Elliot Dixon, are now playing their best footy because those young guys are challenging them. "
Dixon was one he said had been "outstanding".
The loose forward once again holds on to the No8 jersey, keeping Luke Whitelock on the flank and Shannon Frizell on the bench.
That is a quality trio, although selections may become even tougher in the coming weeks.
Mauger hoped loose forward Liam Squire would be back next week, adding to the log jam in those spots.
"Those guys that are playing at the moment have got runs on the board.
"Liam's a quality player.
"He was our No1 six last year, so he'll get an opportunity when he comes back.
"From there it will depend on what we need each week and who's playing the best."
It was also hoped winger Waisake Naholo would return next week.
That match will be against the Jaguares, also at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
It will mark the first time the Highlanders have played back-to-back home games this season.
Mauger said that would be significant, as it would allow the players to settle into the comforts of home a bit longer.
It would also allow the team to play in familiar surroundings in front of its home fans.
Highlanders v Chiefs
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Matt Faddes, Rob Thompson, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Josh Ioane, Aaron Smith, Elliot Dixon, James Lentjes, Luke Whitelock, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Ash Dickson, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Kayne Hammington, Josh McKay, Sio Tomkinson.
Chiefs: Solomon Alaimalo, Sean Wainui, Tumua Manu, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber, Tyler Ardron, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Mitchell Brown, Michael Allardice, Nepo Laulala, Nathan Harris, Atu Moli. Reserves: Liam Polwart, Ryan Coxon, Angus Ta’avao, Jesse Parete, Taleni Seu, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shaun Stevenson, Bailyn Sullivan.