We don't want to get ahead of ourselves but . . . the Highlanders are heading in the right direction at the right time.
Having grabbed a pulsating 25-15 win over the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night in front of a packed house, the defending Super rugby champions now head to Canberra to take on the Brumbies on Friday night.
It was the side's third win on the trot, and meant it avoids a long trip to South Africa - now the fate of the Chiefs and the Crusaders.
Having just returned from a trip around the world - to South Africa and Argentina - which meant a combined period of more than 50 hours on a plane, going back to South Africa was the last thing Jamie Joseph's side would have wanted.
The Highlanders are in charge of their own destiny and if the four New Zealand sides all win next weekend, Dunedin will host a playoff game the following week.
That is no given, though.
First, the Highlanders have to win in Canberra, where they have struggled previously.
But this side is keen on making history.
Just think back 12 months.
Meanwhile, the Southern Steel lost 59-57 to the Magic yesterday and will have to wait until late tonight to find out whether it will head to Sydney or Brisbane to play the winner of the Australian conference this weekend for a place in the ANZ championship netball grand final.
