The Chiefs will welcome back Robbie Fruean to their backline when they take on the Highlanders tomorrow night in what shapes as a blockbuster meeting against new All Black Malakai Fekitoa.
These girls tackle together, pass together and are fleet of foot together.
A year ago, Brad Weber was just plugging away in Dunedin club rugby looking for a break.
A lopsided draw has led to South Otago High School missing out in a place in the Highlanders First XV top-eight section, despite winning three more games than a team which made the cut.
The All Blacks have made it 17 wins in a row, and a record beckons. Some players have risen in the rankings but others have sunk and may be on the way out. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at those who are looking skyward and others who are heading south.
A serious-looking injury to flanker John Hardie was about all the Highlanders took out a scratchy performance over the Barbarians in Invercargill last night.
High-calibre table tennis is expected at the Otago Open at the Edgar Centre on Saturday.
The New Zealand under-20 side has, for a third year in a row, failed to win the world junior championships, after winning the first four titles. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at three things which led to the New Zealanders' downfall.
Mike Fridge is the new coach of Southern United and is already working towards the new season.
Chris King does not know if he ever got near the All Blacks. But he says he would not have had it any other way.
Highlanders prop Chris King has signed for French club Montpellier.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says the forgettable 2013 season has motivated him to continue on in the job, and he wants the same coaching team around him.
Former All Black winger Rico Gear will come out of retirement, in Invercargill of all places, to play for the New Zealand Barbarians on Friday night.
Expect a bounce-back from the All Blacks tomorrow night, with coach Steve Hansen saying the team's pride will drive a better performance.
Nothing wakes up a side, especially an All Black one, more than an average performance.
Test No 77 is looming for Conrad Smith and improvement is on the agenda not just for the All Black centre.
Two sides with plenty to play for - one that has some homework to do, the other that may have a new look - are set for a titanic battle in Dunedin.
Two teams intent on winning and playing attacking rugby, a home-town hero on top of his game and, in the end, an All Black win.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man from Green Island.
The All Blacks will make some tweaks to their starting side next week but Ben Smith will continue in the fullback role.
