Steve Hepburn

Otago coach Tony Brown was delivered what he ordered.

One year from today, the All Blacks will play their first game at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England. What are their chances as they try to defend their hard-won title? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn has two glasses at his table. One is half full and one is half empty. He drinks from both.

Change is inevitable - and the national provincial championship certainly has undergone a raft of changes since Otago last won it. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at what has happened to our domestic rugby competition since 1998.

The All Blacks just keep on winning, even in the tight ones, and halfback Aaron Smith reckons calmness under pressure and belief is getting them over the line.

Otago skipper Charlie O'Connell says his side's character will be tested on how it bounces back from last night's disappointing 40-23 defeat to Northland.

Otago coach Tony Brown says he was hugely disappointed with his side's start and its execution let it down yesterday.

Otago is focusing fully on tonight's match against Northland.

The Otago dunny has been flushed.

This challenge started with a whimper and ended, frankly, in embarrassment.

Kieran Moffat is back in the Otago side and will start at centre against Hawkes Bay in the Ranfurly Shield challenge tomorrow.

The Otago Spirit sits top of the table, having bagged three wins from three games.

Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will tomorrow night equal the record for the most caps together for a midfield combination, matching the 55 caps set by Irish pairing Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn walks down memory lane to find some outstanding All Black midfield combinations.

Darren Shields has lost his best mate and nearly his own life and his son's life to spear fishing but it is something which still gives him a huge buzz.

Gareth Evans is in a small group.

Otago has crashed to a 40-23 defeat to Northland at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

The Highlanders are set to play one of their marquee games outside Dunedin next year as the side suffers from a congestion of sport in the city.