Steve Hepburn

Scott Manson is fully aware of Otago's history with the Ranfurly Shield.

Otago has its 23rd straight challenge since 1959 for the Ranfurly Shield on Friday night, against Waikato in Hamilton.

The longest continuous interschool match in the country will have a new feature when it is played out tomorrow.

Otago and Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman has taken the next step towards wearing the black jersey.

The Southern Dogs lost 5-3 to Auckland yesterday, getting on the rough end of the some umpiring decisions, but their final aspirations have not disappeared.

Former Otago and All Black prop Carl Hoeft is hoping it is not third time lucky for Otago on Friday night.

Outside backs are starting to be in short supply for Otago as the side gets ready to take on Waikato in Hamitlon on Friday night.

The first Otago team to win the Ranfurly Shield got more than the keys to the city.

Otago winger Buxton Popoali'i appears unlikely to front for Otago in its Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato in Hamilton on Friday.

Otago coach Tony Brown says his side needs to take another step up for Friday night's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato in Hamilton.

Otago finished just ahead of Bay of Plenty in a penalty-ridden ITM Cup game in Dunedin tonight.

He likes his Speight's, has developed a fondness for beetroot and is going to have a baby in the South.

Otago kick off their ITM Cup campaign with a match against Bay of Plenty on Sunday. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn casts an eye over their prospects.

Openside flanker Hugh Blake is out for up to eight weeks but he will not be replaced in the Otago squad.

Pirates flanker Josh Clark has been named captain of North Otago for its final pre-season game against an Otago Country side that has been bolstered by a couple of Otago players.

Wife and baby in tow, Tom Donnelly is glad to be back where it all started.

This must be some sort of record for the national provincial championship.