After beating the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein 10 days ago, it seemed certain the Highlanders would avoid the ignominy of last place.
But their 15-40 loss to the Blues on Saturday, followed by the Lions' shock 33-27 win against the Chiefs, has created the unpleasant prospect of a place in the cellar.
The Highlanders (15 points) presently hold 12th place ahead of the Cheetahs (13) and the Lions (12).
As well, the Highlanders face probably the most daunting fixture in world rugby by travelling to Christchurch, where they have not won in 11 years, to play the Crusaders.
The Lions (v the Stormers) and the Cheetahs (v the Bulls) are both at home, playing against home-country opposition that might be ranked higher but is certainly beatable.
It is already guaranteed the Highlanders will at least match their fewest number of wins in a season.
And assuming they fail to beat the Crusaders, their two lonely victories will stand alone.
There is no sign of the white flag from the man whose first season as coach will not be remembered for glorious results.
Glenn Moore has an unshakeable belief that the Highlanders are competitive and developing, and that they will prove this season has not been a write-off.
He stands by the players he has selected, the grab-bag assortment of youngsters and cast-offs, and wants help to make sure they come back.
That is why Moore is not viewing the end of a dismal season with any relish.
"I'm certainly not.
In fact, I'm ruing the day when all these guys start heading away," he said.
"You get into an environment like this and they grow on you.
It'll be a hollow feeling when they all head off."
In a game at Carisbrook that was divided into three clear periods: the Blues started with an onslaught, then the Highlanders fought back well with two tries, only for the Blues to race away.
Moore doubted it was any sort of lack of killer instinct that halted his side's momentum after it got back into the game.
"I don't think it was that.
With 15min to go, the guys were almost out on their feet.
It was no lack of will or anything.
"We were just beaten by a better team."
He said he was not shocked at the way the Blues, needing a big win to stay in the semifinal race, attacked the start of the game.
But Moore was disappointed the Highlanders fell off so many crucial tackles.
"There was a little bit of hesitancy.
We probably sat back and waited on defence a few times when we needed to push forward hard and make the tackle.
"I thought the Blues were well organised, well structured, and they took their opportunities."
The Highlanders have a major injury concern, with form prop Jamie Mackintosh in doubt for the Crusaders game with a foot injury.
