But the Highlanders will not fancy being the side which lets the Australians smile. They will not want the men from the other side of the Tasman to get that winning feeling.
Australian Super Rugby sides have played New Zealand Super Rugby sides 17 times since the start of the season and have lost all 17.
Some of the losses were by a country mile — the Force losing to the Highlanders by 50-plus points and the Brumbies falling apart against the Hurricanes.
Others have been very close — the Crusaders squeaking home against the Reds and the Chiefs just getting past the Force.
But they have all been defeats for the teams across the ditch. A loss by one point or 50 is still a loss.
We know all the reasons — the lack of depth and intelligence in the Australian game, the inability to convert chances and the run of injuries hurting sides from the so-called lucky country.
But the winds must change eventually — a win must come for one team from Australia. And the Waratahs must be a contender to break the duck. After all it was only three short years ago the men from Sydney were the champions of the whole competition.
That is the puzzling thing about the Australian sides. They have some quality players who have the skills to succeed at the highest level.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown said earlier this week the Waratahs were a dangerous team with quality players.
"They have three world-class players there in [Bernard] Foley, [Michael] Hooper and [Israel] Folau. They are basically their team and we can go halfway there to winning," he said.
"It is awesome to be back home at Forsyth Barr and hopefully it will be a big crowd, we can play some good footy and entertain."
Brown said the Highlanders were more focused on their own performance than the 17-match winning run against the Australian teams.
The Australians will have five more chances to break their duck after tonight’s game, though none of them look winnable.
● Highlanders flanker Shane Christie has been ruled out for the rest of the season. The Highlanders announced late yesterday Christie’s withdrawal. Though his condition is not diagnosed he has had concussion-like symptoms.
His condition has been extensively managed by Highlanders medical staff and independent medical experts. He was pulled out so he could focus on his recovery.
Christie will remain with the team as part of the leadership group for the rest of the season. He was not available for any comment.
Highlanders v Waratahs, Forsyth Barr Stadium, today, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Tevita Li, Marty Banks, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Aki Seiuli. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Lima Sopoaga, Rob Thompson.
Waratahs: Israel Folau, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Rob Horne, David Horwitz, Cam Clark, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (captain), Ned Hanigan, Will Skelton, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson. Reserves: Damien Fitzpatrick, Paddy Ryan, Angus Taavao, David McDurling, Jed Holloway, Jake Gordon, Bryce Hegarty, Irae Simone.
Referee: Ben O’Keffe
Highlanders key man: Marty Banks — the man from the West Coast has been right at the forefront of the Highlanders’ eight-match winning streak. An educated boot and picked the right time to run, Banks is making the most of his run in the side.
Waratahs key man: Michael Hooper — the sandy-haired openside flanker has been the key man for his side and his national team for a couple of years now. Tough on defence and electric on attack, he will be a thorn in the side of the opposition all night long.