The Highlanders are marooned at the bottom of the competition standings with three consecutive losses — two of them very heavy defeats.
They have an injury list almost as long at the starting team.
They have missed 109 tackles this season — that is 36.3 a game.
They have beaten fewer defenders than any of the other 11 teams.
They have carried for fewer metres.
The lineout has been wonky and they are missing a couple of very big humans in the second row.
But they have won five straight against Force.
That might be the most meaningful statistic this week.
The Highlanders host the Force in Invercargill today and, needless to say, they need to post a win — and a good one — to generate a little momentum in what has been tough beginning to the campaign.
It is worth noting those defeats have come against three very strong teams.
In theory the Highlanders have a much easier run for the next three weeks.
Coach Clarke Dermody has brought hooker Andrew Makalio back into the front row for what shapes as a must-win game. Promising lock Fabian Holland will partner veteran Josh Bekhuis in the second row in the absence of lock Josh Dickson (illness) and Pari Pari Parkinson (concussion).
Captain Billy Harmon returns after his All Black break and will start on the openside. Hugh Renton shifts from the flank to No8, and Wellington tighthead PJ Sheck comes on to the bench for the injured Saula Ma’u.
There is actually some good injury news in the backs.
Outside back Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert and Josh Timu all return form injury, and halfback Folau Fakatava is back from his All Black break as well.
But the name everyone in Gore will be excited about is Cameron Millar.
The Otago first five has been named on the bench and is poised to make what will be his Super Rugby debut. The 20-year-old started the NPC as the back-up to Josh Ioane but moved ahead of the one-game All Black in the pecking order and shapes a very promising prospect.
Harmon said Millar was a calm character and was taking his elevation in his stride.
"The young guys that are coming through, they seem miles ahead in how calm they are and Cam is no different to that.
"I expect him to come on, lead us really well and just nail his job.
"It is just about him playing his game and trusting himself.
"He’s played really great during the NPC and has showed what he can do in the pre-season and is getting this opportunity.
"No doubt there will be a couple of nerves there but he will back himself."
Millar gets his opportunity as English import Freddie Burns is sidelined with a knee complaint.
Super Rugby
Invercargill, tomorrow 3.35pm
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogado, Josh Timu, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (captain), Shannon Frizell, Josh Bekhuis, Fabian Holland, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone. PJ Sheck, Max Hicks, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Force: Chase Tiatia, Zach Kibirige, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Toni Pulu, Bryce Hegarty, Gareth Simpson, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Ollie Callan, Michael Wells, Ryan McCauley, Jeremy Williams, Santiago Medrano, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Robertson. Reserves: Tom Morton, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman, Manasa Mataele.
Highlanders injury list: Vilimoni Koroi (knee), Marty Banks (groin), Jona Nareki (foot), Marino Mikaele Tu’u (ribs), Scott Gregory (knee), Jeff Thwaites (back), Will Tucker (groin), Saula Ma’u (chest), Freddie Burns (knee), Josh Dickson (illness), Pari Pari Parkinson (concussion), Mosese Dawai (knee).
