But no matter how hard it might be to support the boys when you're living in Dunedin or other southern areas I can promise you it's a lot harder when you reside in Christchurch, home of the Crusaders.
Yes the record seven time champions who seem to have the unusual ability to reduce the skill level of their opposition to that of an under 14's C team and who just happen to be the winners of the Highlanders only ever grand final appearance in 1999.
Having beaten the red and blacks during the round robin fixtures 23-6 at The Brook confidence was high that the Highlanders would be able to reproduce a similar result and claim their first Super Rugby title. However it wasn't to be as the Crusaders won that match 24-19 and went back to Christchurch with the trophy for the second time in as many years.
Although they never won the title, the seasons from 1998 to 2002 were the most successful period of time in Highlanders history, reaching the semi finals four times in five years. The disappointing fact for us fans is that the 2002 semi final, in which the Crusaders beat us again, marks the last time the Highlanders have seen any finals action.
I think that will change this year and I know a lot of others agree with me. I know that at the start of every season you hear the usual "It's our year" but this time I truly think the men from the south are in with a realistic chance of making the playoffs. I would even go as far to say that not making them would be seen as a failure.
Last year we saw glimpses of what the Highlanders are capable of, the highlight for me being the win over the Bulls in Pretoria which was the only time they were beaten at home by a non South African team.
Unfortunately the Highlanders ended last season with four losses including back to back defeats at home to the lowly Lions and the Force which ultimately saw them miss out on a top six finish.
This year with a new stadium, a settled in coach and a host of new players from all over the country this could be the year that the Highlanders go all the way. Perhaps we could see a repeat of that 1999 grand final. Only this time with a different result.
- Cam Gordon: 27 year old school teacher living in Christchurch with my family originally coming from Dunedin. I share my rugby love between the Highlanders and the Crusaders and would love to see the 1999 final repeated one year. Excited about the Highlanders chances this year with a new stadium and fresh talent on the field.