Now comes an intriguing period during which we might find out if they can genuinely have a crack at something mightily unexpected.
Play well against the Brumbies tonight — then see if the dreaded drought against New Zealand teams can be broken against the Chiefs in Hamilton or the Hurricanes in Dunedin — and talk of a rebuilding season can be shelved and replaced by just a little bit of buzz.
Two wins from three does not make a season but there is no doubt the Highlanders have just a little bit of a spring in their step as they return to Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon.
"We’ve got a bit of momentum in our season, which is cool," coach Clarke Dermody said this week.
"We’ve come back from a pretty testing trip to Australia, against the Blues, which was a heavy game for us, and then a pretty tight win against the Waratahs.
"To be sitting with two wins after three is pretty pleasing."
A feature of the Highlanders’ efforts this season, even in the loss to the Blues, is they are sticking in the fight to the end.
Dermody has highlighted the work done on fitness in the preseason, and emphasised the benefit of having just one All Black in the squad is that all his men have had a full summer to prepare.
There will need to be plenty of gas in the tank tonight.
The pace of the game lifts a notch under the roof, and the Brumbies are long-range gunners — led by lightning winger Corey Toole and fullback Tom Wright — who will be relentless on the counter.
"They were a heavy set piece-oriented team previously but they look to counter-attack a lot now," Dermody said.
"Our kicking game and our game in the air are going to be really important, and making sure we’re on, right up the field.
"They run from deep, and their wingers are pretty lethal around the chip and chase, so it’s going to be a high-paced game."
The Highlanders’ defence has held up well so far but they have certainly expended some energy — their average of 180 tackles a game is the highest in Super Rugby.
An interesting pre-game statistic to ponder is that the Highlanders concede the fewest turnovers (12) per game in the competition, while the Brumbies give up the most (17).
There has been some extra spice in camp this week with the presence of All Blacks assistant coaches Jason Ryan, Leon McDonald and Jason Holland.
"Any time All Black coaches come in, there’s a lift in intensity in training, and obviously the boys have a bit more purpose about what they’re doing in front of them," Dermody said.
"They were just observing, really, and connecting as a new coaching group with our coaches.
"They took us out to dinner, too, which was nice."
The Brumbies have been an odd mix this season.
They pumped the bankrupt-but-not-awful Rebels in round one, copped a hiding against the Chiefs, and recovered from a 14-0 hole to pip the hopeless Force 22-19 last week.
Which Brumbies side turns up today?
There is strength at lock, where Nick Frost is the leading lineout exponent and fellow Wallaby Cadeyrn Neville makes his first start of the season, while Rob Valetini and Tom Hooper provide plenty of punch in the loose.
But where the Highlanders really need to be wary is out wide, where Wright and Toole can be so dangerous, especially if Len Ikitau gets going in midfield.
The halfback battle between Highlanders sparkplug Folau Fakatava and Brumbies captain Ryan Lonergan should also be good to watch.
A late afternoon kick-off means a family-friendly environment, and the Highlanders are doing everything they can to welcome their fans.
Up to four children can go free with a paying adult, there is a kids zone open from 3.30pm, and supporters are being allowed on to the field after the game.
Those selfies will be a lot happier if the Highlanders can send the Brumbies packing.
Highlanders v Brumbies
FBS, 4.35pm
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogado, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Billy Harmon (captain), Tom Sanders, Max Hicks, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Henry Bell, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan (captain), Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Tom Hooper, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Sosefo Kautai, Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp. Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford.
