Smith said performing through most of the last quarter with only 13 players showed the amount of heart in the side and reflected how hard they worked over the holiday season.
"There's been a lot of effort go into the conditioning and being able to play under fatigue within our game. How they've prepared for game and what they've put in, in the pre-season allowed them to do the kind of things they did on Saturday night."
As a fullback at times during his Highlanders career, Smith appreciated the impact Finn Hurley made in his two-try effort.
"He got opportunities within the game with the 14 other players setting him up to do the things he did. Like a lot of our guys, he is keen.
"He got an opportunity to play at the weekend and took it. From a confidence point of view, playing against quality opposition and marking Beauden Barrett and the Blues' wings and the talent they've got will set him up."
Smith said Hurley was at his best when using his ability to pop up all over the field.
"He's got a pretty remarkable skill set and it's being able to showcase that at the right time to create an opportunity like he did at the weekend."
Hurley wasn't alone in impressing. Co-captain and second five-eighths Timoci Tavatavanawai also made an impact with his defensive play especially.
"He was inspirational with how he led, and he leads by his actions on the field. He can do some things that others can't."
Smith said he showed similarities with former Highlanders captain and No8 Nasi Manu.
That was evident in his preparation and the dark places he was able to go in games.
"I remember being the same around people wanting to follow him [Manu].
"Jim's [Tavatavanawai] very similar. He gives a lot of guys the ability to see him and how he prepares. They follow his lead on that side, setting up our team in the way that he leads."