And, as far as Hosea Gear can see, there is only one direction to go. Up.
Gear, who has been in fine attacking form over the past few weeks, says he can see the light out of the gloom of a Highlanders season which has delivered six straight losses.
''I try and look for the positive in every situation. And the only positive that we can get out of this situation is, it is really going to be a test of character,'' he said.
''There are only two ways you can go. You can either dig yourself out of the hole or you can dig yourself in even further. So for me, it is all about the challenges and trying to get through those challenges.
''We can only take it one game at a time and keep looking forward. We can only focus on the game, our game, and what we are trying to achieve.''
Gear said a good game from him meant little when the Highlanders ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard at the final whistle.
''Even though I have put in a good performance it doesn't really mean anything to me if you don't win the game. But I am out there to try and do my best and do the best for the team.''
Gear has run elusively in most games. He, Ben Smith and Kade Poki have looked one of the most dangerous attacking trios in the competition.
But it is not translating into wins.
''We are creating ourselves enough opportunities to score but little things are letting us down and we have been doing that all year.
''What happens is we get into a situation where we are trying to chase the game. So you get into situations where you try to force things and you try to play catch-up. That's what it feels like out there.''
The error count has been too high from the Highlanders, and partly that comes from anxiety of being in a position of desperation.
Cool heads need to be shown, and Gear, as vice-captain, is fully aware of that requirement.
''We have worked really, really hard on our composure, and trying to be patient within our game.
''To me, it is not in the back of my mind that we have lost so any games. It is more about trying to win a game.
''You start to fall into a trap that individuals might do things alone rather than do things for the team. It is quite a difficult situation to be in.''
Gear (29) said spirits were still good in the camp, and as far as getting into the black jersey later this year, it was exactly that - for later in the year.
''The All Blacks have not crossed my mind at all. I'm just trying to get a win. At the end of the day, that is all I can do without looking and thinking too far ahead.''