A bit forwards, a bit backwards, some false starts and little, if any, momentum.
It is as if the whole first part of the season has failed to get under way. The side is still warming up and waiting for the doors to the big dance to be opened. There were two wins to start with, two narrow losses, a cancelled game and then a demoralising loss to the Blues.
Then a week off. It has been far from full steam ahead.
For the Highlanders, now is the time to get on a roll and start stringing some wins together.
The team welcomes the Hurricanes to town and will want to get back on to its favourite surface and start showing what it can do.
Highlanders co-captain Luke Whitelock said it was a different start to the season from most.
The side has played just one home game after the match against the Crusaders on March 16 was cancelled because of the Christchurch mosque attacks.
"I think what happened a couple of weeks ago hit people in different ways, something that was a little bit different. It was a huge event for Christchurch and New Zealand, and I don't really know how to describe it," he said.
"But we are looking forward to getting back into routine. Playing at home is a good way to get back into that."
He said the side was really excited to be under the roof for the first time in six weeks.
"The guys can prepare here the whole week. They love it when the Zoo is all full up. Playing with a drier ball. It is just something that can bring the most energy for us."
The Highlanders lost in the last minute to the Hurricanes last game out in Wellington and will be wanting to get one back. The close loss was tough to take but it came down to nailing chances.
"Last time we did not quite own the moments that we needed to. And that just comes down to how good they are. They can hang in there and be just as dangerous when the chances come along. There were times when we just could not convert our chances into points."
Big games are needed by halfback Kayne Hammington and first five-eighth Marty Banks, who face world-class opponents, but the Highlanders forwards need to pave the way tonight.
The forward pack has raised the stakes in the first games of the season and will again look to put one over the Hurricanes front eight, who must be sick of hearing the term lightweight.
TJ Perenara will captain the Hurricanes as Dane Coles is coming back from a calf injury, while Jordie Barrett starts at centre.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Forsyth Barr Stadium, today, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (co-captain), Matt Faddes, Richard Buckman, Tei Walden, Tevita Li, Marty Banks, Kayne Hammington, Luke Whitelock (co-captain), James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Tom Franklin, Josh Dickson, Tyrel Lomax, Liam Coltman, Ayden Johnstone. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siate Tokolahi, Jackson Hemopo, Elliot Dixon, Folau Fakatava, Josh Ioane, Rob Thompson.
Hurricanes: Chase Tiatia, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape, Ben Lam, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara (captain), Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Vaea Fifita, Kane Le’aupepe, James Blackwell, Ben May, Ricky Riccitelli, Fraser Armstrong. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Chris Eves, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Liam Mitchell, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, Matt Proctor.
Referee: Glen Jackson