Steve Hepburn

Former Otago loose forward Brent Pope has been shortlisted for the British sports book awards for his autobiography.

The Russians are coming.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph may look to inject some fresh blood into next week's bottom-of-the-table clash against the Force in Perth.

Three players, including All Black Ma'a Nonu, have rejoined the Highlanders as they prepare to play the Force in Perth.

All Black centre Tamati Ellison seems a certain starter this Saturday as the Highlanders seek to put their horror first half of the season to bed.

Brad Thorn will play his 100th game of Super rugby on Saturday when the Highlanders take on the Sharks at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn talks to the big lock about what motivates him every week.

Ma'a Nonu missed the flight to South Africa yesterday but Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is hoping something a bit more intangible than the big midfielder - confidence - boarded the plane.

Sometimes, you just know what you are going to get.

The Highlanders are in a hole. And, as far as Hosea Gear can see, there is only one direction to go. Up.

A week from hell ended in a garden of roses for the Wellington Phoenix last night.

The Highlanders have named a new inside-back combination, dumping Aaron Smith and Colin Slade, as the side looks to rejuvenate its attack.

This one went exactly to form.

Sitting back and taking a good look at his game appears to have done halfback Aaron Smith plenty of good.

As he lay in a hospital bed with a massive leg infection, Matt Faddes' chances of playing for a national side in front of more than 100,000 fans seemed a distant dream.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has shaken up his forward pack, as both Joe Wheeler and Jamie Mackintosh come back into the starting side.

The Highlanders are fully aware they will be facing a side seeking to save face when they take on the Kings in South Africa on Sunday morning (NZ time).

John Hardie is just appreciating getting on the paddock.

The Highlanders are back in the dog box.

All roads lead increasingly to the Land of the Rising Sun for rugby players. All Black and Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison is the latest top player to head to Japan, as he rejoins Ricoh at the end of the Super 15. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at Japanese rugby and its attractions.

Kavanagh College believes any combined Dunedin co-educational team should be considered in the future but said a proposal along those lines did not gain traction this season.