Steve Hepburn

The Highlanders have decided to rest their three All Blacks for this Friday night's game against the Brumbies.

One is down one end and one is down the other.

It is amazing what a win will do.

The Highlanders' three All Blacks are likely to put their feet up in the next couple of weeks as the side eyes a scalp in Canberra.

Close but no cigar.

The challenges just keep coming for the Highlanders.

Tom Franklin was planning to come south for three years. Seven years later, he is still here.

It is about halfway through the regular season of Super rugby, time to look at who is playing well, who isn't and who is putting in a good shift for little reward. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn picks a form XV from the New Zealand teams.

As Colin Slade confirmed his departure to French club Pau yesterday, rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at whether it is a flood, a trickle or just a steady flow of players heading offshore.

Dunedin will have the ability to host games at the Fifa World Cup should the tournament ever be staged in New Zealand.

Competition brings out the best in anyone.

The Highlanders have held on to beat the Blues 30-24 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Otago and Highlanders first five-eighth Hayden Parker is out for the season because of a shoulder injury.

The Highlanders have made some changes to their forward pack to take on the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.

Glenn Moore has not started drinking lattes and taken up paddle boarding.