The Highlanders have their 2010 season awards evening next week. It would be fair to say it will be a short affair.
Going into tonight's match against the Reds in Brisbane it has not been a season for the Highlanders riddled with highlights and achievements.
The side has won just the three games and though a victory tonight would undoubtedly give the side a boost it would very much mask a season which has failed to fly.
This was a critical year for the Highlanders - after a couple of seasons of building a side this was going to be the year where that promise and potential delivered victories and a top-six finish.
But for many reasons, which have been well documented, it has just not happened.
The players have not delivered, the coaching staff has not been able to lift the side to any great heights, while the administrators off the field have been searching, so far unsuccessfully, for answers.
The appointment of Roger Clark as a project manager for the side shows there is still plenty of work to be done.
But that is off the field - on the field is where it matters tonight.
Coach Glenn Moore said this week the side wanted to finish the season well.
Moore has one year left on his contract but his future must be up in the air.
Not that he is thinking about it.
"I haven't thought about it at all. It is just about this week. It would be a good way to finish the season with a win and we've talked about that this week," Moore said.
"There has been no let-up in intensity in training and we have structured it a way that the guys have been kept fresh."
After reviewing the tape of the 31-3 loss last week against the Brumbies, Moore said it was not as bad as initially thought.
But the side did not execute in certain positions on the field, and dropped off too many easy tackles.
The Highlanders beat the Reds in Invercargill last year and over the years most games between the two sides have been close.
The Reds will have to make do without experienced flanker Daniel Braid, while second five-eight Anthony Faingaa is also out.
But the side has rode on the back of the exciting inside pair of Quade Cooper and captain Will Genia all season and that will continue tonight.
Rugby has always been a game where having a quality inside pair gives a side a huge advantage.
The Highlanders must keep a close eye on that duo and then make the most of the ball they receive to end what has been a frustrating season on a high.
Mistakes have been far too numerous, and must be reduced for the visitors to have any chance.
• HIGHLANDERS v REDS
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Time: 9.40pm tonight
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Odds: Highlanders $5, Reds $1.15
Previous matches:
> 2009: Invercargill: 24-19: Highlanders
> 2008: Brisbane: 22-16: Reds
> 2007: Dunedin: 33-17: Highlanders
> 2006: Townsville: 22-16: Reds
> 2005: Brisbane: 23-16: Highlanders
