There were two scratchy teams with little form behind them, a night that even Captain Oates would have struggled to venture out in, and a referee who appears to be struggling for confidence.
The Crusaders edged the Highlanders on a very chilly Saturday night in Christchurch, winning on the back of a strong forward effort and having the lion's share of possession.
It was a match in which the Crusaders slowly ground down the Highlanders, winning 24-8 after leading 16-0 at the break.
In effect, the match was decided right at the end of the first half, when Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean went over after a concentrated period of attack from the home team.
That score pushed the Crusaders out by 16 points and, on a cold, blustery night, the Highlanders were always going to struggle to get back into the match.
Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata admitted that score was the key to the game.
''It was a pity we let them in right before halftime. I think that was crucial in terms of the whole match. We had defended well for all of that half, for 39 and a-half minutes, before we let them in,'' Hoeata said.
''It was a bit heartbreaking, really. It had been a massive effort from the boys into the wind.''
The Highlanders had to play into the tough easterly wind in the first half and were camped inside their own territory for most of the first period.
Going in 16-0 down, the visiting side came out in the second half with renewed vigour and scored a try within the first five minutes.
The impressive TJ Ioane ran the ball up hard, a rocket pass from halfback Aaron Smith right on the line found centre Jason Emery and he simply fell over to score the try.
The Highlanders needed to continue the momentum but it simply did not happen as the home team got its hands on the ball and did not let it go.
Hoeata said the feeling was good going into the second half but the game was taken away from them.
''It felt good. We were pumped at halftime, even though they scored that try. We were really looking forward to coming out in the second half. And I think it showed in the first few minutes.
''But we just could not keep it on and they managed to get a bit of ball. I don't know what it was. We seemed to make small mistakes and let them back into our half and they just seemed to camp there.''
Any chance of a comeback slowlyslipped away as the Crusaders took the game by the scruff of the neck. The Highlanders scrambled well in defence, but seldom managed to construct anything in attack.
Near the end there was a series of scrums within sight of the Highlanders line which seemed to go on forever.
Eventually, the Crusaders moved the ball wide and replacement midfield back Tom Taylor scored, although, in what is becoming a pattern now, referee Garrett Williamson went upstairs for the final decision. It went in the affirmative, and the home side had the game done and dusted.
Best for the Highlanders was Ioane, while flanker John Hardie worked hard, as did prop Tony Woodcock.
Aaron Smith showed signs of returning to form while Ma'a Nonu had some bright moments but chances for the backs were rarer than hen's teeth.
Super 15
The scores
Crusaders 24
Robbie Fruean, Tom Taylor tries; Tyler Bleyendaal 4 pen, con
Highlanders 8
Jason Emery try; Colin Slade pen
Halftime: Crusaders 16-0.
Crowd: 17,000.