Mirror, mirror on the wall, will the Highlanders give it all?
Is it just me or is anyone else starting to get that horrible feeling that this season could end up being a mirror image of 2011?
Last season after ten rounds the Highlanders were sitting pretty. They had lost only two games and were looking sure things to make the playoffs for the first time in almost ten years. But then it went horribly wrong. They lost back to back matches in rounds 11 and 12 (sound familiar) and would go on to record only one more win for the season.
Having just finished watching the Hurricanes get the points in a close encounter at Forsyth Barr Stadium I get the feeling that it's time for the boys to step up and not let this season turn into another case of missed opportunities.
The loss at home, just the second this season, could be blamed on the high injury toll that the team is experiencing or the fact they have just spent two weeks in Africa and had to travel halfway round the world to get back for the match.
While nobody would argue that these factors play a part in the team underperforming, the simple fact is that the game was lost because of two missed tackles in the 74th minute that lead to Julian Savea crossing the line and scoring what would become the match-winning try.
It's moments like these that can make or break a season, especially when the ladder is so tight. Small mistakes can end up costing teams the chance of playing finals footy. Just ask the Highlanders of 2011. The good news is that there is still time in the season to make a charge for a place in the top six, but it has to start now.
Next week the Highlanders host the table-topping Bulls and will need to be at the top of their game if they are going to have any chance at winning. The men from Pretoria traditionally don't give opposition teams many scoring opportunities so the Highlanders will need to play a patient game and be ready to make the most of any chances that arise. I know lots of games get labelled as "must win" but this truly is a game worthy of that title.
After the Bulls the Highlanders will take on the Blues and Crusaders, both away from home, before the international window puts a four-week hold on the Super Rugby season. If they play to their potential the near bottom-placed Blues shouldn't be too much trouble. A win up in Auckland would then set the stage for a massive match in Christchurch against our southern rivals in the final round before the international break.
Three wins in these next three weeks is not unrealistic and if the Highlanders manage to do it they will be right back in the hunt and ready for a final charge at a playoff spot. However, a loss or two and the season could end up being a mirror image of last year.