The weeks are slipping by and the losses are beginning to mount, but Crusaders' coach Todd Blackadder remains relatively relaxed about his team's position in the New Zealand conference.
Blackadder was bitterly disappointed with his team's performance in the loss to the Rebels in Melbourne on Saturday night - the Crusaders' fourth defeat of the season - but afterwards refused to concede that the Chiefs would finish as top New Zealand team.
He cited the different pressures of the June tests, which are in the middle of a Super Rugby competition for the first time, injuries and further upsets.
With five matches remaining, four in Christchurch and the other in Hamilton for what promises to be an epic encounter against the Chiefs, Blackadder said there was still plenty to play for.
The Crusaders are eight competition points behind the Chiefs, who helped their southern rivals' cause when losing to the Reds in Brisbane last night (Sun).