A masterclass from Dan Carter, combined with an effort from the dunce's class by Ma'a Nonu, gave the Crusaders a comfortable victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Ma'a Nonu was expected to make an impact for the Highlanders this year.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph thought his side played well on Saturday night but admitted to beat the Crusaders, a team needed 15 players on the field for the whole game.
There should be no criticism of the referee in an under-11 match at Peter Johnstone Park today.
Andrew Hore knows he is in for a tough game tomorrow night but it is nothing compared to what his farming colleagues have been through this week.
Ben Smith's future should be decided in the next few weeks but he will be either staying at the Highlanders or heading overseas.
When Hosea Gear was growing up, his first love was basketball.
The Central Otago club competition has a top six and a vote will be held today to determine whether points from the first round are carried forward.
Former Dunedin rider Greg Henderson is lining up for the second successive year in the biggest race of them all.
Highlanders openside flanker John Hardie remains in doubt for this Saturday's game against the Crusaders.
The Highlanders got back to work this week, and will welcome back more heavy armour for the rest of the season.
A knee injury to flanker John Hardie has thrown a spanner in the works of the Highlanders preparations to get back into Super 15 action next week.
There is nothing quite like school sport to get people hot under the collar.
No Otago school, including powerhouse Otago Boys' High School, has been found guilty of poaching rugby players.
Rugby writer Steve Hepburn visited St Kentigern College in Aucland. The college's First XV has not been beaten in more than 40 games, won the national schools title last year, and is the reigning world schools champion.
With the match against the Crusaders only nine days away, the Highlanders will be looking to switch into game mode tonight.
The Champions League is looming on the horizon for the Volts and, although it does not feel like cricket weather, players will start training next week.
Eight players on the reserves bench is a trial and will be reviewed in May next year. It will not be used in provincial rugby this season.
Injured Otago players should be right for the start of the season although starting centre Jayden Spence is making a slow recovery from a heavy concussion.
Police have confirmed they have received a complaint over an incident in a football match last month but are a long way away from any decision on prosecution.
