Steve Hepburn

Maybe it should have been a draw. But there is nothing fair about sport.

Ben Smith could have played against the British and Irish Lions for both the All Blacks and the Highlanders.

The Highlanders might have lost - and in a heartbreaking fashion - on Saturday but the side is building nicely as the business end of the season looms.

Even Richard Buckman likes the versatility.

The man who is about to become the second-most capped Highlander has plenty of praise for the man who is about to take his record.

One gets the feeling Ben Smith just wants the sideshow to be over.

At times it seemed to be down to last man standing for Tony Brown.

Steve Gurney believes you do not have to leave town to compete in the Coast to Coast.

Key first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga may have sat out yesterday's training but he is still a strong chance to play for the Highlanders against the Crusaders on Saturday in Christchurch.

Little brother is going up against big brother and mum and dad will be there to watch.

Challenge Wanaka will switch its focus next year to the half ironman distance, but will still run a full-distance event.

Rookie Highlanders flanker Dillon Hunt is setting the standard when it comes to defensive efforts.

The Crusaders have won 13 on the trot but believe the Highlanders know plenty about their winning run.

Michael Bracewell is taking his talents to Wellington.

The Highlanders know how to score points; they just need to learn how to stop conceding them as the Crusaders loom.

Hookersare supposed to throw the ball into the lineout, rake the ball back, get round the field and make the tackles.

Rob Thompson's white-hot form is no accident, drawing on the loss of his father to make a statement.