In modern rugby keeping your line intact is probably more important than crossing the opposition line.
Tournament winners over the years have won titles based on bruising defence.
The Crusaders beat the Brumbies in 2000 through a heroic defensive night in Canberra while this year the Stormers have put together walls of defenders which have become nigh-on impossible to break.
But have a quick look at the Highlanders' defensive statistics and it becomes clear why they finished in 12th position this season.
They conceded 397 points this year, way more than any of the previous four seasons during which Super rugby has been contested by 14 teams.
Their next worse was 338 points conceded in 2008.
This year, they have conceded on average just over 30 points a game, and if you are bleeding that many points chances are you are going to end up on the wrong end of the scoreline on too many occasions.
The team had its line crossed for 53 tries, an average of four tries every game, which is far too many to be competitive.
They conceded 50 points against the Bulls, and 30-plus points against seven other sides.
Better tackling practice will obviously be a requirement for next year.
Barry Matthews has been employed as the defence and skills coach this year by the Highlanders, replacing Steve Martin, but looking at that record there may be doubts over whether he will return.
The Highlanders have improved on the offensive front, scoring 34 tries this year, two more than last year, and well ahead of the mere 21 they scored in 2006.
It is no doubt that changes in rule interpretations has had an impact on points scoring, as attack is now favoured over defence.
Other sides have also been leaking points.
But for the Highlanders to be competitive next year they must shore up the defence and make tackles count.
