Steve Hepburn

In years gone by, the best team won the Super 14.

Why only one South African side has won the Super 14 title is a bit of a mystery.

There is plenty of potential but also lots of question marks hanging over the four Australian Super 14 sides.

Kendrick Lynn admits he is one of a dying breed among outside backs - he is still very much a middleweight, and does not come from the the Pacific Islands.

A nightmare five minutes which saw Otago United concede three goals led to the home side falling to a 4-2 loss to Wellington at Sunnyvale yesterday.

The Otago Rugby Football Union has achieved a million dollar turnaround, with chief executive Richard Reid calling it a "fantastic achievement", but warning there is plenty of hard work ahead.

Just three days ahead of the Highlanders' first Super 14 match, there are still question marks over the availability of two backs.

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore says his side took a big step forward in its match against the Blues on Thursday.

The University club wants a new chairman of the Otago Rugby Football Union but it appears Dunedin clubs are not united in getting two new members on to the union's board.

Josh Bekhuis is new to full-time rugby but suddenly he may have to take on the mantle of a seasoned professional.

The Highlanders have come through the match with the Crusaders relatively injury-free although star winger Fetu'u Vainikolo appears unlikely to play on Thursday.

Dr David Devere has a job which requires calmness.

Otago United twice threw away a two-goal lead to draw its match with Waikato at Sunnyvale yesterday, leaving coach Terry Phelan fuming.

The Crusaders came storming home to beat the Highlanders 40-17 at Timaru last night, riding on the back of a feast of possession.