Not even Nostradamus would have made such a bold prediction as the side racking up six wins from its first eight games, scoring some marvellous tries and beating the Bulls on the high veldt.
Sitting fifth in the table, the Highlanders have been climbing peaks no-one envisaged.
But like most things in sport, it is not about the start and the speed out of the blocks, it is about the run home. That starts tonight with as tough an examination as they come - the Crusaders away from home.
The perennial champions are not at full strength and are playing away from their fortress in Christchurch, but they will still be tough - extremely tough.
The Crusaders had a comfortable 44-13 win the last time the two sides met earlier this season, and the Highlanders will want to make sure there is no repeat of that scoreline.
Not conceding easy turnovers should be the main priority for the side, as the Crusaders are masters of turning that to their advantage, although Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said his men had to concentrate on what they do well.
"We've just got to play our game. Part of it is to minimise our mistakes, and attacking them and doing the best we can. We're not there to keep the score down.
We want to go out there and win," he said.
This game is the first of four games in a row for the Highlanders against New Zealand opposition, and that run may ultimately decide how the season washes up.
In the first game against the Crusaders, the Highlanders were right in the game until after halftime when they paid the price for missed penalties and sloppy ball control.
They need to fix that tonight with Tony Brown, in for the injured Colin Slade, again taking charge of the goal kicking.
"That will take some of the pressure off Robbie [ Robinson]. They've both got their favourite sides they can have a crack at."
Robinson will start tonight at fullback, with Ben Smith, who was outstanding last week against the Rebels, moving to second five-eighth.
Joseph felt little would be lost with the shift of Smith closer to the scrum.
"Maybe in set piece it would be different but everyone is all over the field. Our halfback could be wearing anything from one to eight. I know the All Black selectors are keen for him to play in the midfield and Ben is keen to play there. So I'm comfortable with that."
Joseph has been forced to ring the changes as injury runs through his side.
Gone for tonight's match are loose forwards Adam Thomson (bruised thigh) and Alando Soakai (shoulder), halfback Jimmy Cowan (elbow), Slade (broken jaw), midfielder Shaun Treeby (knee) and winger Kade Poki (knee). Hooker Jason Rutledge is having a rest.
Joseph has faith in the replacement players.
"They've trained well this week and will want to make the most of their chance. There have been quite a few of them who have played club rugby and nothing gets you fitter for playing rugby than playing rugby.
"It's probably more of a disappointment not to have our key players to play. But it gives these guys a good opportunity to get out there and play against reputedly the best team in the competition.
"They could have played at a pinch. But we've got seven or eight games to go and they're all biggies and must-win games.
"All the boys want to play this match, against the Crusaders. Everyone wants to play themselves against the best. Unfortunately, it's just one of those things. Injuries are injuries."
Cowan has been carrying an elbow injury since last year, and will continue to manage it.
Smith is nippy around the ruck and needs to clear the ball quickly from the fringing Crusaders forwards.
Despite having no Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter and Kieran Read, the Crusaders still have weapons on the paddock with the likes of Israel Dagg and Robbie Fruean.
The Highlanders must cut down those key men, limit their own mistakes and simply take every chance that comes on offer.
