Assistant coach Andrew Goodman said discipline and errors in the second and fourth quarters let the Hurricanes back into the game, and they played good rugby to deny the Crusaders a bonus point.
"We were happy with the way we started," he said.
Looking ahead, he said he expected a typical Crusaders-Highlanders game. It would be physical, and the Highlanders would throw some surprises at them.
"They'll be under the roof at home, so it will be one of those ones where we have to stay on our game, look to start well but continue that on right throughout the game this week," he said.
There had been some revision of what happened last year when the Highlanders beat the Crusaders in Christchurch, and they had also studied what happened when the Highlanders did things well.
Goodman said there had been excitement around Argentine international Pablo Matera playing his first game for the Crusaders. He was a great acquisition for the group, had taught them a lot, and they had learnt a lot from him.
"It was special to see him after the game get his Crusaders' recognition and for him to speak passionately about what it meant for him, his family and for Argentina," he said.
Goodman was pleased with the way Fergus Burke handled the first five-eighths role in Richie Mo'unga's absence.
"I thought Fergus did a great job. He ticked all his core roles, kicked some goals, kicked well out of hand, directed the boys well, and in the first 20, he had some nice early touches on the ball, a couple of little breaks, and it would have been great for his confidence.
"You can expect to see another step up this week from Ferg," he said.
Burke said, "I was pretty happy with the way it went, or most of it."
Riding on the backs of the forwards who did such a good job, he said he had fun.
"It was awesome having no conditions to worry about, no wind or rain, so it was just throwing the ball about. We played well as a team throughout and came away with the result which was the key," he said.
Having All Blacks David Havili at second five-eighths and Will Jordan at fullback had also helped. They ensured he could do his job well, he said.
The lack of a crowd had made the communication between players so much easier, especially playing under the roof, although there were times when it felt like they were playing an in-house squad game.
"I missed the atmosphere, and I missed the Zoo which is always a cool experience," he said.
That could help the Crusaders this week as it would deny the Highlanders something of the buzz they received playing in front of their home fans.
"But they're still a quality team, so it is going to be a tough one," he said.
Burke said his second start had been similar to his first against the Force last year. The nerves had been there, and he was fired up for both games.
Having former Blues and Hurricanes' five-eighths Simon Hickey in the side for 2022 had been a help, Burke said. He was a competitor and had fitted in well with the team.
"We get on well out on the golf course on days off, so it makes things pretty easy. We can work together and help each other in those areas and he's been awesome for me," he said.