Look at them in the light of day and they seem no different.
But come match day at Yarrow Stadium, its two main stands will be empty.
There's no hiding the fact that the closure of the east and west stands have caused months of hardships, meaning long, difficult conversations for Taranaki Rugby.
They may have the Ranfurly Shield, but Taranaki Rugby CEO Jeremy Parkinson realises its impact can only do so much given their current limitations.
"For most provinces when they have the Ranfurly Shield that's the icing on the cake and you really push your revenue levels," Parkinson told Newshub. "This year, with the situation, we're tracking well behind.
"It's frustrating, disruptive, difficult - plenty of words for it, but you've just got to be solutions oriented."
But that takes nothing away from the significance of entering the season as Shield holders.
Captain Angus Ta'avao is confident the locals will still come in their droves.
"Our fans are awesome," said Ta'avao. "They're determined to get out there.
"We've got the bull screaming out and the fans loving getting down to the stadium."
And the union is pulling out all the stops to make sure they do.
They're bringing a temporary roof over from China and have transformed portacoms to changing sheds.
But there's no hiding the fact the closure of their two main stands comes with its ramifications.
Memberships have halved and financially, the union is on the backfoot. They need the fans to turn up.
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Newshub.