Steve Hepburn

Matt Whaanga - 33 tries, 62 conversions, a dropped goal, and five penalties.

Otago got a lesson in the physicality of the game on Saturday, and coach Tony Brown says it must reach that level if it is to be competitive against the better teams.

Otago Boys' High School will look to make it four in a row when it takes on its old foe at Littlebourne this afternoon.

After 16 months on the sidelines it is not surprising Joe Latta has a spring in his step - although he describes it more like an unbalanced canine.

There were nine fabulous days at the end of winter last year. Otago reclaimed the Ranfurly Shield after a 56-year wait. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn walks down memory lane to relive those days, ahead of another challenge this Saturday.

Otago made an encouraging start to its ITM Cup campaign on Saturday and will take some momentum into its Ranfurly Shield challenge.

Three players will make their starting debuts for Otago as the side begins its ITM Cup campaign.

The ITM Cup kicks off tomorrow night. We will leave all those cliches about grass roots and old values behind and just concentrate on the games and the teams. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at who to fancy and who will flounder. A more detailed assessment of Otago's chances will run later in the week.

The Highlanders may seek to bolster their coaching stocks and they will also be on the hunt for a new manager.

Tana Umaga says his players get reminders every day and everywhere they go as to how much the Counties community values the Ranfurly Shield.

Harry Walker-Leach and tries just seem to go together.

Otago has got off to a winning start in its ITM Cup campaign with a 28-14 win over North Harbour at Forsyth Barr Stadium today.

Brad Thorn says he will miss the South and its friendly people, and he is disappointed he cannot finish his career here.

In most ways, you could not get more of an Otago man than Charlie O'Connell.

A coach of one of the leading teams in the South has questioned the status of the Highlanders First XV competition and says it has become a contest of ''bragging rights''.

The Highlanders are on the hunt for some fresh locking talent after the departures of Josh Bekhuis and Brad Thorn.

Trent Renata has been a Mooloo man all his life. But the 26-year-old has cut the umbilical cord and has traded in the tricolours for a bit of blue and gold.

Otago will be wanting to take a significant step forward when it plays in Alexandra this afternoon.