The only way is up for the Australian Super Rugby sides this season.
In 2016, the teams promised much but delivered very little.
The Brumbies were the only side from Australia to make it through to the playoffs and they lost in the first round, going down to the Highlanders on a chilly night in Canberra.
The Waratahs lost too many games early on to make a challenge while the Reds struggled to get anything going.
The Force and the Rebels were once again not good enough to mount a challenge.So will anything change? Will any team spring up and get its act together? Will a side come out and challenge for the title as the Waratahs did successfully in 2014.
All five teams have something good to like about them but overall there is not enough depth in Australian rugby for more than one or two, at best, of the sides to succeed.
Injuries hit — they always do — and that exposes teams.
The Brumbies have already been knocked by the loss of halfback Tomas Cubelli, who is out for the bulk of the season with a knee injury.
The side has also lost forwards Stephen Moore and David Pocock and they will be big holes to fill. Skipper Christian Lealiifano appears to have won his battle with leukemia but will not be sighted this year. Matt Toomua has also departed although the addition of Kyle Godwin is a bonus.
The Waratahs will field plenty of size. They welcome back prop Sekope Kepu and big winger Taqele Naiyaravoro. The men from Sydney need to bring come consistency to their game.
The Waratahs tend to get into losing ruts and then wake from a slumber. They also need more success against New Zealand teams which is easier said than done.
Up the coast, the Reds have restocked as they look to recover the glory years.
The title win in 2011 was a long time ago and most have moved on.
Quade Cooper went to France but, after an unhappy year, is back home.
He is now 28 and is past his peak. But he reportedly has got his confidence back and that should help the Reds.
Also playing for the Reds is veteran George Smith, who has been round the clock and back again.
But he is still quality and, along with Scott Higginbotham, will give the Reds some experience in the pack.
If everyone can stay on the park and play to their potential the Reds could be dangerous.
The Rebels will continue to battle along. They are capable of putting together the odd good game but there is little consistency in their game.
Young Wellington pivot Jackson Garden-Bachop is one to watch but is he ready for the step-up?
Adam Thomson has gone but big things are expected of Sean McMahon, who is on the rise.
Out west and the Force will again be competitive but lack the necessary ability to get across the line.
A lack of attacking ability has hindered the side for years and nothing will change there.The loose forwards will be solid as will the tight five but there is a lack of skill among many of their players.
The men from across the Tasman
Brumbies
Coach: Stephen Larkham
Key forward: Blindside flanker Scott Fardy.
Key back: Midfielder Kyle Godwin.
Glass half full: Always a contender, bright and energetic coach, solid tight five, bit of a fortress at home.
Glass half empty: Shred a load of experience, missing key players all over the park, dull style which doesn’t cut it against top teams.
Last year: Quarterfinals.
Prediction: 11th.
Force
Coach: Dave Wessels.
Key forward: Lock Adam Coleman.
Key back: Outside back Dane Haylett-Petty.
Glass half full: Good loose forward trio, solid enough support, financially more sound after new deal with naming sponsor.
Glass half empty: Consistent underachiever, little flair and not enough X-factor players, sitting on the chopping block and the axe is swinging.
Last year: 16th.
Prediction: 16th.
Reds
Coach: Nick Stiles.
Key forward: Hooker Stephen Moore.
Key back: First five-eighth Quade Cooper.
Glass half full: Reloaded with some big names returning, plenty of class in important areas, still got a real core of support.
Glass half empty: Always seem to have injured players, best years behind some of the returning stars.
Last year: 15th.
Prediction: Quarterfinals.
Waratahs
Coach: Daryl Gibson.
Key forward: Flanker Michael Hooper.
Key back: Fullback-centre Israel Folau.
Glass half full: Plenty of class, gets South African trip out of the way early, monstrous forward pack, flying wingers.
Glass half empty: Injury-prone, lack a decent halfback, promise much yet rarely deliver.
Last year: 10th.
Prediction: Quarterfinals.
Rebels
Coach: Tony McMahon.
Key forward: Lock Lopeti Timani.
Key back: Midfielder Reece Hodge.
Glass half full: Starting to develop some real steel in the pack, quality inside-back pairing, good set of loose forwards
Glass half empty: Inconsistent, lack belief, not much depth when injuries arrive and they do.
Last year: 12th.
Prediction: 13th.