Coach Jamie Joseph said Nareki has had issues with his knee for some time, and they were probably a little guilty of bringing him back too early, but now he had the chance to get his knee right and play some quality rugby to be more confident going into the 2026 Super Rugby season.
His loss was a continuation of the injuries to the core of experienced players, which was tough on such a young squad. The older players helped bring calmness and composure when available, but that consistency was impossible this year.
The lesson from that situation has been to keep the plans simple.
Joseph said he was proud of how the Highlanders reacted to their loss to Moana Pasifika when they only went down to the Hurricanes in injury time in their last game.
"We didn't get the result, but we played enough rugby to win it twice. When Timoci Tavatavanawai got yellow-carded, the team buckled down and showed the sort of ticker they need to be able to win at this level.
"It was disappointing to lose the game in the last couple of minutes, but there are some positive signs.
"Now they've got a bigger challenge, they've got to go out and do it again this weekend."
Having got into positions to pressure the Crusaders in their last outing, the Highlanders could not push on.
"It was disappointing. I don't know how many times we were in their 22, but there were a lot of opportunities that we never capitalised on. We got a wee bit of tunnel vision.
"If we can get that many entries into the 22 again, then we've got to be able to execute and score tries."
Tighthead prop Saula Ma'u will make his 50th appearance for the side.
"He's a big man, and dedicated to wanting to be a good rugby player. He's still learning and a tidy prop. Those guys don't come good until they're in their late-20s. So, he's got a lot to learn and a lot of potential. To play 50 games in such a short time is a credit to him. He's got a big future."
Taranaki halfback Adam Lennox, who debuted after being called in as injury cover against the Brumbies, had his second chance against the Hurricanes and is retained for the weekend.
Joseph said Lennox was the genuine article and could play anywhere in the backline.
"No training, no coaching, he just goes out there and plays footy, and I'm super proud of Adam. I am looking for players like that who can play rugby and get excited about having an opportunity.
"He hasn't had a lot of opportunities but is a player of the future for us."