Guys had to be pulled from the whitebaiting net to wear the black jersey.
But these days they appear to be growing on trees.
Take Lima Sopoaga, for example.
The Highlanders first five-eighth has matured into a quality player - one who can slot the goals, take the ball to the line and kick when needed.
It is all a long way from that fresh-faced youngster who came to the franchise in 2011 and played his first game for the Highlanders 15 days after turning 20.
Now 24, Sopoaga said getting on the field had helped him mature as a player.
''I think it is just time in the saddle. I have had my fair share of injuries over the past few years and it is good just to stay on the park. Just building those relationships with the halfback, [Shaun] Treeby outside me,'' he said.
With the Highlanders pack going well and speed and talent outside him, his role was just putting people in the right places.
''Our forwards are doing the job for us up front and they have been a big part of why we have got some pretty good results. Guys like Waisake [Naholo] and Pat [Osborne] out wide are really finding their feet and doing the damage.
''I'm just a sandwich between heaps of quality players. So when they ask for the ball, I just have to give it to them. I'm playing outside the best halfback in the world. He will throw a 30m bullet pass right to me.''
Sopoaga is probably selling himself a bit short.
His distribution and ability to spark breaks is a real bonus for the Highlanders.
He will need to be at his best tonight when the side takes on the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Sopoaga is looking forward to the encounter.
''It's is going to be a good game. These southern Derbies are always classics. They got us one down here, so hopefully, we can try and get a win up there.''
Sopoaga will go up against Colin Slade, a former team mate tonight, and has plenty of respect for the Canterbury man.
''He is a quality player, old Slady. I will just do my job for the team and hopefully get a result. Should be a good match-up if I am playing him.''
To get a win tonight, the Highlanders had to take their chances and Sopoaga said every opportunity had to be nabbed.
''It is those moments. Big games require you to be in the moment at the right time and take your opportunity. We might only get three but you have to nail them all.''
Born in New Zealand, of Samoan heritage, the Wellington-raised Sopoaga he has had calls from Samoan rugby authorities but says he is just thinking about the Highlanders.
''I was born in NZ, growing up in NZ so you want to play for them. I've never heard from the ABs. But that does not worry me ... I can't control what happens in terms of selection. I just control what I can control, and try and get the Highlanders into the playoffs and see what happens.''
Sopoaga needs to be on the money tonight, especially with his goalkicking.
It is an interesting clash. One side is coming back from South Africa and the other is fresh off a bye.
The Highlanders have tasted three defeats in three games at the stadium in Christchurch and need to be totally accurate to avoid a fourth.
The Crusaders, more than any team, pounce on mistakes and make capital from them.
The forecast for Christchurch is a dry but chilly night.
