There was plenty to like about the Highlanders last year.
The established stars put their hands up. The new boys came through with the goods and a couple, in particular, prospered.
It all added up to a trip to the promised land - the playoffs - for the first time since 2002.
But that was then. This is now.
To make a repeat appearance in the post-season, the Highlanders need to look forward and not go back.
What worked last year will not necessarily work this season. The game grows and the Highlanders have to grow with it.
But the coaches are savvy and switched on enough to know players can not rest on their laurels.
Many of those break-out stars could be in danger of succumbing to that second-season syndrome, which can always be difficult.
They have to maintain the standards set last year and even play a bit better.
One big improvement, in particular, is needed, and that is around the set piece. Focus is needed on getting the scrum better.
Watching the Highlanders' scrum get smashed by the Sharks in the playoff match was about as appealing to watch as The GC re-runs.
Coach Jamie Joseph went out and got some new props and experienced locks but it remains to be seen whether this will make much difference.
Chris King has departed and, although he was getting near the end of the road, he will be missed.
The lineout is also in the ''must do better'' category. In tight games, the Highlanders were not always accurate at lineout time.
Hard work on the training field has been carried out on both set pieces but how they perform will ultimately be found out in matches.
The heat will go on the likes of Ma'afu Fia, Liam Coltman and Kane Hames to get the scrum right, while Coltman and new arrival Ash Dixon will have to be spot on with their throwing.
Elsewhere, competition should make the loose forwards strong and Gareth Evans will want to prove his class.
Aaron Smith is a key at halfback and one hopes Lima Sopoaga plays as well as he did last year.
His goal-kicking ratio was above 80% last year and that had a lot to do with the Highlanders making the playoffs.
Further out, centre Malakai Fekitoa went from the outhouse to the penthouse last season and will be keen to stay there.
At the back is the dependable Ben Smith. Smith, all being well, should bring up 100 games for the Highlanders this season.
The All Black has been outstanding for the Highlanders since he first played for the franchise in 2009.
If his 14 team-mates play as well as he does, it will be a year to remember for the franchise.
