The story so far ...
The Highlanders started the season with a whimper rather than a bang.
The side lost four games and had one win, beating the Brumbies in Canberra with a last-minute try. It was a new era for the side as it had lost 14 top-liners from last year so it was always going to be tough.
The team showed some spark at times but there were too many errors and not enough continuity in its game.
The forwards were a mixed bag - not bad in the loose but the set piece was faulty and there was a lack of concentration. The backs were all right but there was not a lot of strike power.
Elephant in the room
Mitch Hunt started at No10 and did all right - was solid enough. But outside him was Josh Ioane who looked to have more options and the constant question was rolled out over why Ioane, a one-test All Black, was not at his preferred position. The coaches always said they were happy with the combination but it was not translating into victories.
The layoff seems to have sharpened views and Ioane is now seen as a first five-eighth. Expect him to start there this Saturday night.
The new boys
Nehe Milner-Skudder has arrived in the South. He is a quality player who can put together a most attractive highlight reel. The issue is can he get fit and get out on to the paddock to dazzle?
If he can, then it will be a great coup for the Highlanders. But there are a lot of questions around him and his fitness. He is not likely to play in the first couple of weeks.
With the stocks the Highlanders had in the outside backs the gamble over Milner-Skudder was definitely worth it.
The Highlanders also welcome Vilimoni Koroi. He was a dangerous attacking weapon for Otago last year. Super Rugby will be tougher for him but he will be worth watching. He is likely to get some game time quickly.
The reality
Back when the world was normal - you know, when people took pictures of their lunch and watched a programme about building Lego - the Highlanders were facing a tough task. The side had lost a truckload of experience and new players were still finding their feet.
That is if the new players had the talent to start with. Some were struggling and it may be a bridge too far for certain individuals.
This is a tough, hard competition with most New Zealand teams having a quality player in each position. Average players get exposed quickly.
What needs to happen
This year, the Highlanders are a side which has to work very hard. The team just has to go out there and be the best they can be. The game, or life, really, is made up of 100 one-percenters. The Highlanders have to do all of them better and every chance which comes along simply has to be taken.
What will happen
There is no denying it is going to be a tough examination for the Highlanders. The way the cards have fallen, the side is well behind the other four teams. But everyone knows that. Progress and grab, say, two or three wins and most will be happy. But a big doughnut in the win column will be disappointing.