But unfortunately the dessert is rapidly going off and unless it can be fixed tonight, it may become so spoilt that the whole dining experience will be viewed unfavourably.
There is no doubt that the Highlanders have had a more than satisfactory season.
They have chalked up great wins against perennial contenders such as the Crusaders and the Bulls and have also won close games which previously they would have lost.
But the wheels have come off in the past couple of weeks with disappointing losses to first the Lions and then the Force.
Two more losses to end the season will leave a distinct sour taste in the mouth of most supporters. Those wins against the heavyweights will fast become a fading memory.
But it is going to be very, very tough tonight against a Waratahs team with everything to play for.
They, like the Highlanders, are on the outside looking in at the all important top six at the moment.
Whatever team wins tonight will probably still be in with a playoff sniff next week.
The playoff hopes for both teams are relying on how other teams perform.
As Highlanders assistant coach Simon Culhane said earlier this week, once teams start having to rely on other sides winning or losing then you really are in a tough position.
What has been so disappointing about the past two losses for the Highlanders was the inability of the side to hold on in the close games.
It had previously been composed and efficient when things got tight and tough.
But against the Lions, rudimentary mistakes leaked into its game while against the Force the side stopped playing in the dying minutes and the visiting team sailed home.
Play like that against the Waratahs and the Highlanders will finish a distant second.
Coach Jamie Joseph has made some changes - the most noticeable at halfback where Aaron Smith comes into the starting line-up in place of Jimmy Cowan.
Cowan has looked steady over the past fortnight but Smith is a nippy sort of player who can light things up for a team.
By the look of the Highlanders who walked off Carisbrook last week there is plenty of spark needed.
Tony Brown is back to steady the ship at first five-eighth and his experience will be a real asset.
Lima Sopoaga has undoubted abilities but during tight games a little coolness and choosing the sensible option is what is needed.
Brown should also be on song in the goal-kicking department.
The Highlanders have only ever won twice in Sydney so history suggests it will not be easy.
The Waratahs welcome back players from injury with Phil Waugh returning along with No 8 Wycliff Palu. Wing Lachie Turner, lock Dean Mumm and prop Benn Robinson all passed fitness tests yesterday to take their places in the side.
The match will be refereed by New Zealander Chris Pollock. It is the first time he has crossed paths with the Highlanders since his controversial whistle-blowing performance at Carisbrook against the Blues, where he gained few friends in the South.
