They had the weekend off but the Highlanders only slipped one place in the Super 14.
The Highlanders are seventh in the competition on 18 points, just five points outside the top four, after going into the round in sixth place.
Only the Crusaders, who beat the slumping Bulls 16-13 to go to 22 points, moved past the Highlanders.
The Blues (18) also had the bye, while the Brumbies (18) thumped the Cheetahs 40-27 but trail the Highlanders on points difference.
The Sharks (30) lead the Super 14 after thrashing the Hurricanes 33-17, with the Chiefs and Waratahs (both 27) in pursuit.
The Highlanders resume their chase for a first semifinal appearance in seven years when they play the Reds in Invercargill on Saturday evening.
