Super Rugby has almost reached the business end of the competition and the 2015 champions are well placed to make a big impact.
They host the Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night in their final round-robin game. Then there is a quarterfinal to look forward to against either the Lions or the Crusaders the following week.
A semifinal and final appearance is on the wish list and that seems like a very real possibility.
The Highlanders are riding a wave of confidence following a 23-22 victory against the British and Irish Lions in their last competitive match and a promising 33-12 win against the Crusaders in a ''friendly'' in Timaru last week.
And in a season blighted by injuries, almost all of the players are fit right when the Highlanders need them the most. No wonder coach Tony Brown was upbeat yesterday.
''We've got pretty much every player back on deck other than the guys who are out for the season,'' Brown said.
''Everyone else is going to be available for the quarterfinal, so that makes it really tough on the coaches to select the right players.
''But what that does is create a lot of competition within in the team. I think we are in the best position we've been all season around having players fit and available and excited to play.
''We talk about the golden month around the playoffs. That is what it is and every rugby player wants to be involved in it.
''This season we've had lot of injury problems and different things. But to be in this position is pretty exciting right now.''
All Black Liam Squire returns to the Highlanders starting line-up for the first time since breaking his thumb against the Cheetahs in early May.
The robust loose forward will start on the blindside flank but may be a ''little bit underdone'' in terms of match fitness.
''Hopefully, he can have an impact like he did at the start of the season for us. He was inspirational at times.''
All Blacks Aaron Smith and Ben Smith will be rested for the match to ensure they are fresh for the quarterfinals.
Ben has been sidelined since the first test against the Lions when it was thought the classy fullback was suffering from concussion symptoms. The problem has since been diagnosed as an inner-ear complaint and he was fit to play against the Reds.
However, Brown said management felt it was prudent to give him an extra week of training before thrusting him back into the action, while Aaron just needed a rest following a demanding series against the Lions.
Fellow All Blacks Liam Coltman, Malakai Fekitoa and Waisake Naholo will start the game, though.
Maori All Black representatives Tom Franklin and Rob Thompson are also in the run-on side, while co-captain Ash Dixon is in the reserves and will co-captain the team with Luke Whitelock.
Lock Jackson Hemopo has forced his way into the starting line-up following strong performances against the Lions and Crusaders.
''He has been really impressive. The Lions game was a bit of a line in the sand for him.
''He sort of proved to everyone in the Highlanders region he is ready to play big games of rugby. Then he backed that up with a really impressive performance against the Crusaders, so he forced us to pick him.
''He gets the opportunity and, hopefully, he can keep that momentum going right through to the playoffs.''