Holding onto their belief had been the critical factor for the Hurricanes in achieving their long-sought 34-32 win in Christchurch over the Crusaders on Saturday.
It had been five seasons since their last win in the south and they made the most of their chances, coach Jason Holland said after the win.
"We've walked out of here a few times over the last few years and felt like we were in the hunt but we hadn't nailed a few things," Holland said.
"So we made sure we were going to go 80 [minutes] and made sure the Crusaders didn't have too many moments where they won big moments they won and we didn't capitalise on our opportunities.
"I think by and large we did that. The Crusaders are an awesome side with an awesome record. We had to win those moments to make sure we were in the hunt," he said.
They knew the Crusaders would have some big moments in the second half but it was about staying composed in the face of the pressure, staying disciplined and ensuring the Crusaders didn't have too many of their big moments in a row, he said.
Holland said while getting the win had been great they still hadn't finished what they were trying to do this season.
"We've got a few more weeks to go and we'll continue to grow our game," he said.
There wasn't clarity on the extent of the injuries suffered by second five-eighths Ngani Laumape and prop Fraser Armstrong, both of whom were forced from the field during the game.
However, Holland said the squad had worked well in the lead-up to the game, and substitutes had performed well when coming onto the field.
The side was reflecting four consecutive weeks and the bye would be a chance for some recovery of battered bodies they had experienced.
"We have to make sure we come back with the same mentality and the same mindset around how we are going to approach the last couple of weeks and put as much pressure on the Crusaders at the top of the table as we can," he said.
Being able to beat the Crusaders in the fourth of four bruising games made the achievement all the more special.
No 8 Ardie Savea said the win was a moment to enjoy but at the same time, they felt for Laumape and Armstrong while they were also happy to be able to send wing Ben Lam on his way with an important win.
Savea said the energy and spirit that had developed in the Hurricanes' side was special and they were trying to build on that.
"The vibe off the field is crucial and that's pretty good too," he said.
When they got into the vital moments of the game, in the last few minutes, and especially after the Crusaders had scored, the message to one another was about the next moment and the next task and not giving easy penalties away.
"That's what we did and we were just patient," he said.
They would be enjoying their bye week but coming back to prepare for their next game knowing it would be more of the same in what was a tough competition where winning teams tended to be those who turned up on the day, he said.