They are like a box of chocolates: you never know what you are going to get.
One minute they look a million dollars, the next, they resemble a third-grade outfit.
What is most concerning for the Highlanders in tonight's game in Invercargill is which Hurricanes will turn up? The sleek and accurate, or the slow and cumbersome?
That is why it is so vital for the home side that it leaves last week's disappointing loss to the Chiefs behind and gets back to what it had been doing so well earlier in the season.
No matter what type of Hurricanes outfit rolls out tonight, the Highlanders know they just have to get rid of the mistakes that plagued the side last week.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph talked this week of energy levels being better. And they need to be.
Games at this level undoubtedly came back to desire and execution.
The Highlanders will need to dominate up front, slow any Hurricanes ball down and get around the park. The backs need to hold on to the ball, unlike last week, and make the most of any chances that come along.
Jimmy Cowan needs a big game on his home paddock, while outside him, Lima Sopoaga will want to continue on from his encouraging performance from last week. He is facing many of his provincial team-mates and he will have plenty to prove.
The youngster is also entrusted with the goal kicking and needs to find his radar quickly, although the Hurricanes have also been average in that department.
Up front, without Adam Thomson the Highlanders forwards will have to find that spark around the field. Tom Donnelly gets a chance to run out with the team and his skill in the lineout will help the side.
After two losses in a row, a defeat tonight will inevitably lead to thoughts of the season unravelling. The campaign is not over with a loss but nothing is more important in sport than momentum.
The Hurricanes started the season poorly but in their past two games have shown some real glimpses of form.
They look to have turned the corner and will welcome back Ma'a Nonu to their starting XV with Piri Weepu coming off the bench.
Much will be expected of Weepu but it is a big ask to expect him to step right back into this level and win the game for his team.
Robbie Robinson will take his place on the Highlanders bench as Tony Brown is not quite over his hamstring injury.
The forecast for Invercargill tonight is for scattered rain and drizzle, with the wind easing.
