With just two rounds remaining until the playoffs, round 14 provides an opportunity for teams to lock up a home playoff or confirm their spot in the top eight.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown's instincts bore fruit in Dunedin on Friday.
The Western Force's Super Rugby Pacific season is in tatters after a 61-10 humbling at the hands of the Highlanders.
With just three weeks until the finals, every game in round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific carries further significance as teams fight for position.