Personnel-wise this year and last they were almost in the same boat, and even 2011, but in those two years the Highlanders were laughing, sitting comfortably inside the top six.
So what has changed?
This season was supposed to be the year the Highlanders kicked on from the solid base built in 2011 and 2012. Internationals with massive reputations were signed as well as a few young guns chomping at the bit for a chance to impress, but it seems all in vain as they have not yet won a game.
Did the 'Landers become too complacent at the beginning of the season? Did they think, because we have so many big names arriving (Nonu, Thorn, Woodcock) they will automatically slot in and the team will fire? Or have they just been unlucky?
They have had a massive injury list in the last three years, and key players always seem to be on that list. Personally I do not think injuries are to blame.
In all their losses this season (apart from the loss to the Cheetahs), the Highlanders have been very competitive. Up until a certain point. It might be the 60 minute mark, it might be the 70 minute mark, but they definitely have not been competitive for the whole 80 yet.
Another reason I think they are struggling is the new law changes.
The new rule about having five seconds to use the ball at the ruck being the main one. While it speeds up the game and makes it more fun for the fans to watch, the Highlanders were the most effective team last season at holding the ball in the forwards and the ruck and killing the clock in tight games.
On the back of that, the Highlanders are missing Adam Thomson, big time! He is one big name they should have done all they could to keep. His speed at the breakdown, and ability to tackle anything as well as popping up all over the park to score tries is and has been irreplaceable. I was, and am a massive fan (if you can't already tell).
I don't like to bad mouth teams I support, and I don't think I have, but I tell you what, it is hard living in Wellington supporting the Highlanders when the Hurricanes are inside the top six.
It is also hard when you make a stupid, possibly intoxicated bet with a friend thinking your team will white wash the local team 2 - 0, but instead they lose the first game and now face a 2-0 white wash in the coming weeks and the loser of this bet has to get a tattoo that they really don't want!
Karl Tily
Twitter - @Gldf1sh