'‘Would've, could've, should've'', ''Close, but no cigar'' - both of these phrases are clichés which are heavily overused, yet they are accurate descriptions when it comes to defining the Highlanders' campaigns of 2011 and now 2012.
This is after their playoff hopes were dashed by the Reds in Brisbane on Friday night.
After the June test break, the Highlanders needed wins in their final two matches against the Chiefs and Reds to ensure the playoffs were a real possibility. The Chiefs all but buried Jamie Joseph's men with a 27-21 victory.
After this loss, the Highlanders' chances of reaching the playoffs for the first time in a decade were slim; a win in Brisbane and other favourable results were needed to extend them ahead of many teams which crowded the middle of the Super Rugby table.
They needed to fire in this match and show they wanted this. Right from the first kick-off in Brisbane the southerners proved what they have all season, they were about to fight to the very end and show their ‘never-say-die' attitude we all know they possess.
Turning down multiple penalty opportunities in the early spell, the Highlanders were going for tries. Silly mistakes allowed the Reds to build a 16-3 advantage with 20 minutes to play through the boot of Mike Harris and a try to James Slipper.
The Highlanders needed to respond quickly and they did so with a try to Adam Thomson. The Reds then added three more points to make the score 19-8.
Yet again the Highlanders pounced and added another try through Chris King. As the seconds ticked away, with only a converted try needed to clinch victory, the Highlanders etched towards the white chalk yet again, but just when it looked like we might just do something remarkable, a mistake at the breakdown resulted in a Reds penalty. Game over, 19-13.
Some may describe this as a rather bitter pill to swallow, in some ways they are right. At the beginning of the 2012 season, the Highlanders backed up their 2011 campaign with some close victories they may not have accomplished in previous seasons. They dominated the breakdown area and it was backed up with quick ball through Aaron Smith's quick deliveries to the backline.
Several key injuries were the Highlanders' undoing, however, losing our top two choices at first five and an outstanding openside flanker in John Hardie. Two positions that are vital to any team hoping to succeed in professional rugby.
The day after the loss, I wore my Highlanders shirt with pride, a feeling which should be reciprocated by the boys who don the colours themselves. 2012 didn't go the way it should have or could have, but with a new stadium over our heads and some young talent coming through the ranks, you get the feeling the Highlanders are building towards regaining a sense of pride in the Deep South.
Good on ya mates!