This time around however inconsistencies, both of selection and performance, have blighted their campaign and they currently sit sixth, nine points off the top four.
And Wilson, who up until this season split his time between Scarlets and the Wales U20s as head coach, admits his side must recover over a tricky Christmas period. "With the way it is set-up, this time of year has been extremely difficult for us," he said.
"We lose a lot of players and then get them back and don't have much time to prepare them for games.
"But it is what it is and we have to accept that, we are still trying to win every game that we play in.
"There have been some individuals that have been very impressive in making the step up and that will stand us in good stead for the future.
"Ultimately our bread and butter is the RaboDirect PRO12, that is our main competition.
"It's great to be in Europe and we would love to get through but ultimately week in, week out it's the Rabo and getting to the play-offs.
"We achieved that last year which was fantastic for everyone involved, but there is quite a bit of work for us to do if we are to do it again this time.
"But I believe we are more than capable of it as a team, we've proved that on any given day we can beat anyone. It's about the players finding that consistency."
First up over the festive period is a trip to Munster, and then a double header against Welsh rivals Ospreys.
And Wilson knows his side have their work cut out for them if they are to make a breakthrough.
"We have to try and improve the performances, we have had some very close results and Christmas is always a tough period.
"But this year even more so, we've had Leinster away then we're off to Munster and then a double header against Ospreys.
"I think anyone would agree that it does not get much harder than that but we have a tough squad who are ready to go into these games.
"I feel like as a forward pack we are starting to get over the hill, we have made some big improvements in the set-piece.
"We are starting to make some quality players but there is a lot more work to do and that's my goal."
Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the RaboDirect PRO12
63x46.png){kind=logo}