Steve Hepburn

A poor first half was followed by an inspired second, but the Highlanders still came up short against the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Otago has signed two backs as it continues to build a side for the most crucial of seasons.

Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw admits the side is heading for a financial loss, but feels the franchise has a future in the south and an extensive review will begin as soon as the season ends.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has stepped in again to help stabilise and improve the position of the Highlanders franchise.

Highlanders captain Jimmy Cowan has rejected suggestions the side is splintered and says the players want to end the season on a high.

The season is shaping up to be a low point in Highlanders history but coach Glenn Moore says he is still loving his time in the hot seat, and has no intention of leaving.

Call it a false dawn. After the promise of last week's gutsy win over the Waratahs, the Highlanders slipped back into bad habits with a heavy loss to the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.

Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg may have bigger fish to fry this year but it is not something that is occupying his mind.

Harbour has been docked a competition point and lost the 19 points it scored against Pirates last week after it was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player.

Trust those intelligent students to take technology to the next level on the rugby paddock.

He started on the wing and found his way into the black jersey from fullback - now Ben Smith is about to be played in a position many feel is his best.

Chief executive Steve Tew claims the New Zealand Rugby Union has helped the Highlanders on and off the field and now it is up to the region to show it wants the side.

Wanting to know what shaped Carl Hayman has led to two French journalists visiting Dunedin.

Mathew Berquist is ready to pull the curtain down on his rugby career in New Zealand although he admits he has nowhere specific to go.

Good rugby players are still coming south to university and Otago is starting to produce its own, as the union celebrates having three players selected in the New Zealand Colts side.