1 The first cut is the deepest
It is likely that when the Blues come to Forsyth Barr Stadium next week, they will be vying to reach a new low - the worst start for a New Zealand side in the competition's history. It stands at eight, by the Highlanders in 2013, so that will give the home side plenty of incentive to win.
The Highlanders also play the Blues in the final round, and need to beat them twice to be in playoff contention.
2 Dirty old town
The Highlanders head to South Africa - a long time away from the comforts of home - and need to win at least one game there. It is not going to be easy. They first take on the Lions, who are showing some venom this season, in the rarefied air of Johannesburg. Then it is a long wait in Bloemfontein for a game against the Cheetahs. There are not many tourist agents around who would advise two weeks in those two cities. It is sort of like spending a few days in Bulls, followed by a week in Marton.
Boredom may be the Highlanders' biggest enemy on this trip.
3 So far away
The Highlanders stop off to play the Force on the trip back home. The Force has owned the Highlanders of late. The abyss of the ugly 2013 season was the loss in Perth. And the last time the Highlanders beat the Force, Bruce Jenner had facial hair.
Man for man, the Highlanders should triumph - and they must. Good teams win these games to make the playoffs.
4 Tonight's the night
A rugby player is not a top-end tourist. Jo'burg, Bloemfontein, Invercargill - it is hardly the itinerary for a Brad and Ange honeymoon.
Rugby is not top of the popularity stakes in Invercargill at the moment but the southerners need to get behind the Highlanders in a crucial game against the Chiefs late next month. The mob from Hamilton will be well rested and these conference games are a big deal.
5 I don't want to talk about it
It is going to happen. They will lose a couple of games and inevitably the ''tired'' calls will come out. If you had a dollar every time some expert trotted out the words ''worn out because of style they play ... lack of depth ... fell away after a promising start'', you could clear the budget deficit. The team and coaches just need to ignore it and get on with playing.
6 I'll stand by you
As the weather gets colder and sides really start to click, the set piece becomes so important. Having a stable scrum is a key, as there are more of them in the game. Same with the lineout. With eight of the 10 remaining games not being under the Dunedin roof, the set piece is vital.
7 You keep me hangin' on
The Highlanders won eight games last year and got through to the playoffs because they picked up 10 bonus points. Love them or loathe them, bonus points do exist. If the Highlanders are to lose, they need to secure a bonus point or two. Last year, against the Reds, they lost, but picked up two bonus points and moved up the table.
8 People get ready
The two Smiths and Malakai Fekitoa are due to have some time off. The merits of this policy are still up for debate. Did Bayern Munich rest all its top German international stars in the Bundesliga so they could be right for the World Cup ? Hardly.
When the star trio put their feet up, the players around them must take a big step forward.
9 It takes two (and three)
This is often overlooked. In tight games, being 9-6 up at halftime is better than being 6-0 down. Kicks just have to go over. Everyone remembers Fekitoa's great try against the Sharks last year but Lima Sopoaga not missing a shot at goal actually won the game.
10 Some guys have all the luck
Every side needs it - no matter how good they are.
Luck, fortune, a good bounce of the ball.
If you drill down a little deeper, it is not really luck. It comes from good play, or weight of possession. Whatever it is, it comes in mighty handy.
