In such a fast-paced competition it's easy to see how one slip-up can change a team's fortunes so quickly. Despite losing their past three matches the Bay of Plenty Steamers are still within reach of a finals spot.
After seven games, the Steamers occupied third spot.
Coach Sean Horan knows that could change in a heartbeat, especially since they play Auckland today in a match that is a must-win for both unions.
Auckland will be licking their wounds after a narrow loss to Tasman this week, while the Steamers are out to prove they are worthy of being back at the top.
Lelia Masaga will make his eighth start in eight games. He features in yet another strong line-up with Toby Arnold, Luke Braid and Bronson Murray all getting starts. Chris Noakes, who has shared the number 10 jersey with Dan Waenga, gets a run in the starting 15, with Waenga on the bench.
Horan has kept some of his options open, admitting to a few niggles but nothing of any great concern.
Victory will keep the Steamers well and truly in the hunt for a Premiership top-two finish and a finals berth, while defeat will probably end the side's championship aspirations.
"We're really positive," Horan said.
"We have had a decent turnaround and the boys have had a couple of days away to freshen up their bodies and minds. It's been a big campaign. We're pretty disappointed after the last three losses. We're here to do a job and we're not doing it."
He said the Auckland match, to kick off at 2.35pm, would be a "big challenge".
"Their backs are up against the wall. It's going to be a very competitive contest. Everyone's aware of being near the bottom. It's the same with everyone across New Zealand - look at Waikato, they lose their next three games and they could be on the cusp.
"This is the quality of the competition and it's a testament to where we're at as a rugby nation."
He said despite the three consecutive losses, the Steamers remained in a buoyant mood, determined to lift their game and their standing from last season when they finished sixth.
"We were sixth last year and seventh the year before so we see ourselves as a top-seven union. We're still identified as one of the minnow unions but we achieve very well. We're very buoyant, we want to win this NPC.
"With three games to go and being in third would we be happy with that? We would be pretty content, but for us to achieve what we want we have to be a lot more precise and accurate and have the desire."
An extra incentive is provided by the John Drake boot being on the line for the third time. The former All Black played for Auckland, and lived in the Bay of Plenty after retiring from rugby.