Steve Hepburn

The Highlanders will open their campaign against the Blues at home on February 23 and will have a couple of weeks off straight away.

Green Island has defeated West Taieri 37-17 in the promotion-relegation game at Forsyth Barr Stadium to hold on to its premier status.

It does not happen often these days but a genuine curtain-raiser will be played before tonight's game between Otago and Auckland.

Otago will be looking to the wide open spaces to beat Auckland tonight in what looms as a crucial game for its season.

The Southern Dogs conceded two goals in the final 10 minutes to go down 2-1 to Capital in Wellington last night.

The Southern Dogs  went down 4-0 to North Harbour last night in their second pool game at the National Hockey League in Wellington.

Courtney Duncan will spend two weeks in Europe before heading home and preparing for what she hopes is third time lucky.

There is constant discussion about moving the provincial competition to one division but it is a case of trying to squeeze something too big into something too small.

The hooter did not actually give a hoot — well, not at the right time anyway.

Tyrel Lomax had a flying trip to Dunedin on Saturday but he is about to become very familiar with the South.

Otago is about to enter its tough period and it has casualties but will be buoyed by the depth in its squad.

Otago lost a physical and at sometime ill-tempered battle against Tasman at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon.

Josh Furno has boots and he will travel.

The Southern Dogs are looking at the unorthodox to help them at the National Hockey League, as the side aims to play above itself.

The Southern Storm has been combining well and making improvements but will get a tough examination first up when the National Hockey League starts at Wellington today.

As the All Blacks get set to take on the Springboks tonight, first five-eighth Beauden Barrett is under the microscope. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at what all the fuss is about.

Highlanders flanker and former co-captain Shane Christie will not play for Tasman this year, as  his 2017 season fails to get off the ground.

A two-day legends tournament has been planned for Chisholm Park next year and a former British Open winner is lined up to compete.