Twenty-twelve, a year dubbed by many as the year of ‘the World Cup hangover', it seems to be a tag that is more of a matter of fact than a popular catchphrase used by journalists.
When you scan the horizon of NZ rugby this year, you can see it everywhere; Richie the captain has been rebuilt and Dan the playmaker has recovered, returning to action half a year after winning the World Cup, and let's not even mention the Blues....
The Highlanders are no exception. 2012 has been a rollercoaster of a year for the boys from the South, exploding out of the blocks and winning our first four games of the season; however, injuries to key players have cost them dearly, but the playoffs are still a very real possibility if they establish some of their previous form.
This past week has not helped in the slightest. Mr Hansen named his first All Blacks training squad, so the players' attention would have been distracted from the task at hand. With a two-game losing streak behind them, focus was something the Highlanders desperately needed to secure a much-needed win against a top-of-the-table Bulls side that was on the rampage.
The first half was a bruising encounter that was played with pace, the South African giants seemed to have the edge over us, the Highlanders continuously kicking the ball to their back three and seemingly going backwards when tackled. Yet our defence held firm and we remained disciplined at the breakdown (something the Highlanders have been lacking in recent weeks), hitting the changing sheds at half time trailing 6-3 to the visiting side.
Considering most of the action happened in the Highlanders' own half, it was a relief only to be down by 3.
The Bulls were quite clearly frustrated about their inability to penetrate the Highlanders defence; in the second half they emerged visibly annoyed and let it influence their game play.
With the Highlanders wanting to continue with a hard and fast encounter, the Bulls decided they would try and play the game their way and slow it down; repeatedly infringing at the breakdown cost them dearly as they gave away countless penalties until referee Ian Smith had enough and
sent Bulls prop Dean Greyling to the sin bin for ten minutes.
With the Bulls reduced to 14 men, the Highlanders capitalised, repeatedly giving up opportunities to take the 3 points; they were going to win this game on tries. It took a while, but the try eventually came to Jarrad Hoeata after being denied a minute earlier.
Although the Bulls answered back with a try to Willie Wepener, the Highlanders defence held firm through continuous waves of Bulls attack and they emerged 16-11 victors. It was a hard-fought encounter with many players still fighting for their chance to don the black jersey.
The playoff hopes remain alive for another week, it's not an easy road but with the grit and determination they displayed against the Bulls, it may just become a reality for these southern men.